Springboks welcome back stars for Argentina Test

South Africa have named a 26-man squad for their one-off Test against Argentina, with Siya Kolisi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth and Morne van den Berg returning from injury.

Springboks Name Argentina Test Squad

Rassie Erasmus has confirmed the group that will travel to Buenos Aires for the Test against Los Pumas on Saturday, August 8.

The squad includes several players who are returning from injury or have had limited game time during South Africa’s opening four matches of the season.

Captain Siya Kolisi is among the key names back in the mix, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu, De Jager, Etzebeth and Van den Berg will also have the chance to get valuable minutes before the Springboks turn their attention to New Zealand.

Erasmus Balances Workload Before All Blacks

Erasmus said the selection was made with balance in mind. South Africa want to give returning players a tough Test outing, while also managing those who have already carried a heavy workload this year.

“We tried to get the balance right between giving some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time in our last four matches a valuable run against Argentina, while at the same time managing the players who have played a lot of rugby this year,” said Erasmus.

“The guys who have recovered from their injuries have been training hard this week and are ready to go, so it will be great for them to get a tough Test match under the belt before we face New Zealand".

Several regulars, including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel and Ruan Nortje, will not travel to Argentina. They will instead return to the Springboks’ training base in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Springboks Prepare For New Zealand Series

Erasmus said the returning players had trained well during the week and were ready for the physical challenge of facing Argentina.

He added that the Johannesburg camp would also help players still recovering from injuries, including Ox Nche and Franco Mostert, continue their rehabilitation.

South Africa squad:

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herchel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.