Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus makes strategic adjustments for Rugby Championship finale against Argentina
Coach Rassie Erasmus has implemented four alterations to the match-23 lineup as the Springboks gear up for the decisive Rugby Championship match against Argentina's Pumas at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in London. Notable returns include Ox Nche to the starting side, as well as Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel, and Bongi Mbonambi, who will start on the bench.
Ox Nche, who missed last week's match in Durban due to a minor injury, will rejoin the front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit. The replacements' bench features Williams at scrumhalf, Mbonambi at hooker, and Kriel as a versatile back, maintaining a balance of five forwards and three backs.
The core of the squad remains untouched, with Eben Etzebeth partnering Ruan Nortje in the lock position, marking his 138th Test. Captain Siya Kolisi will earn his 98th cap alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in the loose trio.
In the backline, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are again designated starting halfbacks, while Ethan Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe will occupy the wings. The midfield will consist of Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie, with Damian Willemse at fullback.
The bench for the match includes Mbonambi as a backup front-row option, flanked by props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, RG Snyman as lock cover, and Kwagga Smith as a loose forward. Grant Williams is anticipated to add depth to the backline alongside Manie Libbok and Kriel.
“This match is a Final for us, and we know how dangerous Argentina can be,” said Erasmus.
“The majority of the squad performed exceptionally well in our previous matches, so we kept personnel changes to a minimum. Ox and Grant were capable of playing last week if necessary, while Boan Venter and Morne van den Berg stepped up effectively. Jesse has been rotated in recent matches and is eager to contribute, and the same goes for Bongi, who is thrilled for this chance after facing Australia.”
Erasmus anticipated a fierce challenge from the Pumas, recalling that they were in contention for the title last week. “They are known for their resilience, and although they are out of the title race, they have already secured victories against the All Blacks, Wallabies, and British & Irish Lions this season. A victory against us would be a significant goal for them, making this match another tough contest.”
“They possess a formidable pack and dynamic backs, as displayed in the first half of last week's game where they proved they can be a major threat if they adhere to their game plan.”
“Our primary focus is to aim for back-to-back title victories, and the stakes are high for us. We know our capabilities if we stay disciplined and play to our strengths over the full 80 minutes.”
“We’re in a favorable position to know exactly what we need to achieve in our match thanks to the Australia-New Zealand game earlier, but we must still execute our plan against a talented side.”
The match is set to commence at 15:00 (SA time) and will be available for live viewing on SuperSport.
Springbok team to face Argentina in London:
15 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 44 caps, 66 points (6t, 9c, 4p, 2 dg)
14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 45 caps, 126 points (21t, 3c, 5p)
13 Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 40 pts (8t)
12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 92 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 4 caps, 0 points
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 14 caps, 95 points (3t, 25c, 10p)
9 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 45 caps, 75 pts (15t)
8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 38 caps, 10 points (2t)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 92 caps, 70 pts (14t)
6 Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 97 caps, 65 points (13t)
5 Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 12 caps, 0 pts
4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 137 caps, 35 points (7t)
3 Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 29 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 83 caps, 125 pts (25t)
1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 45 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 80 caps, 70 points (14t)
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 8 caps, 10 pts (2t)
18 Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 23 caps, 0 pts
19 RG Snyman (Leinster) – 45 caps, 15 points (3t)
20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 58 caps, 55 points (11t)
21 Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 23 caps, 25 pts (5t)
22 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 23 caps, 133 pts (2t, 42c, 13p)
23 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 83 caps, 95 points (19t)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!