The Springboks will go into the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship against Argentina with an unchanged starting fifteen. This sees Jacques Nienaber opt for consistency for the first time this year.
“We were in a fortunate position this week not to have any injuries, which allowed us the luxury of selecting the same starting team that ran out in our last match,” said Nienaber.
“We also feel that this team offers us what we need against a physical Argentina outfit.
While the Springbok head coach said that tests won’t be used to experiment, it does feel like experimenting is exactly what he’s been doing.
To his credit, Jacques and his coaching staff never once name a side unworthy of being called a Springbok team. The coaches have time and again said that every team they send out onto the field have the potential to win a test match. At this stage, he’s been correct about half of the time.
It’s not all the same
Nienaber did some tweaking to his matchday 23. He made three changes to his bench.
Missing out will be Duane Vermeulen, Cobus Reinach and Warrick Gelant. While Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen and Elrigh Louw will get their shot to feature in Buenos Aires.
Louw is just one of a few exciting young up-and-coming South African loose forwards. The 22-year-old enjoyed an incredible United Championship campaign, and if he makes it onto the pitch, he will win a third Springbok cap.
“I’ve waited quite a while since my last test match,” said Louw at the Springbok team announcement on Tuesday evening.
“I’ve worked hard and am really excited to get on to the pitch again. It’s a big game, so I’m quite honoured to be picked in the starting 23.”
🇿🇦 The Bok starting lineup for Saturday's crucial #CastleRugbyChampionship Test against the Pumas is unchanged
🗣️ “They are a passionate rugby nation, and the Pumas will never give an inch”
🔗 Team announcement: https://t.co/yrb3sJNhgx#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #ARGvRSA pic.twitter.com/NpgDxlnJMD— Springboks (@Springboks) September 13, 2022
Round five of the Rugby Championship will get going on Thursday morning, when Australia host New Zealand in Melbourne. Kick-off will be at 11h45.
The Springboks and Argentina will meet at Estadio José Amalfitani on Saturday evening at 21h10.
