Springboks Name Heavily Changed XV With Kolisi and Etzebeth for Argentina Test

South Africa travels to South America for a high-stakes one-off Test against Los Pumas, featuring 13 changes from the side that defeated Wales 43-0 in Durban last month. Coach Rassie Erasmus has refreshed the entire starting pack and brought back several senior figures who missed the opening matches of the international season due to injury.

Return of World Cup Winners and Experienced Stalwarts

The Springbok lineup welcomes back key leaders who contributed to past World Cup triumphs. Captain Siya Kolisi (2019 and 2023) and lock Eben Etzebeth return to the starting XV alongside fellow 2019 winner Lood de Jager, none of whom had played official international fixtures earlier this season due to various injuries. Thomas du Toit also reclaims the tighthead prop role after a brief appearance against England in July.

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In the backline, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu slot back into the No. 10 jersey where he excelled during the latter half of the previous year. Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie anchor the midfield. Both previously partnered during a buildup match ahead of the 2023 tournament, and Ethan Hooker takes up position on the left wing alongside Edwill van der Merwe and fullback Aphelele Fassi.

A Completely Revamped Pack and Bench Strategy

Erasmus has completely overhauled the starting forward pack from the Durban victory over Wales. Boan Venter and Thomas du Toit line up in the front row with hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Etzebeth and De Jager pair up at lock, while Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, and Cameron Hanekom form the loose trio.

On the replacements bench, the Springboks retain a traditional six-two split favoring forwards. Only seven players who featured against Wales remain in the matchday 23, with Fassi and scrum-half Cobus Reinach retaining starting roles among the 13 total changes. Backup players on the bench include Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, and Gerhard Steenekamp.

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Erasmus Warns of a Formidable Challenge in Buenos Aires

Addressing the upcoming fixture in Argentina, Erasmus emphasized that Los Pumas represent a severe test for players working their way back to full international fitness.

“This match is the perfect occasion for players like Siya, Eben, Lood, Sacha, Morne and the other players returning from injury to get a tough Test under the belt and get back into full swing at international level, as Argentina are a formidable team, who will push us to the limit.”

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Rassie Erasmus, Springboks head coach

The head coach also noted that Argentina has defeated South Africa twice on home soil previously and will benefit from a passionate crowd under the guidance of head coach Felipe Contepomi. The touring squad splits into two groups for travel to South America, with several players remaining in Johannesburg to prepare for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.