Erasmus tweaks team for Pumas “final”

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has made four changes to the match-23 for Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in London, with World Cup-winning prop Ox Nche returning to the starting team and Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel and Bongi Mbonambi added to the bench.

Nche, a late withdrawal last week in Durban due to a niggle, will be in the front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are again the starting halfbacks, Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie are in midfield, and Damian Willemse at fullback. Ethan Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe retain their places on the wing.

On the bench, Mbonambi will form a back-up front row with props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, with RG Snyman covering lock and Kwagga Smith loose forward. Williams will provide an impact in the backline with Manie Libbok and Kriel.

Eben Etzebeth starts his 138th Test at lock alongside Ruan Nortje, while Siya Kolisi (98 caps) captains the side in a loose trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.

“This match is a Final for us, and we know how dangerous Argentina can be, so we selected combinations we feel will be best suited for this game,” said Erasmus.

“There are minimal personnel changes, with the bulk of the team having done the job for us last week against the Pumas in Durban and our other Castle Lager Rugby Championship matches. Ox and Grant could have played last week if we really needed them, but Boan (Venter) and Morne (van den Berg) did really well, while Jesse was rotated in the last two matches and is raring to go. The same applies to Bongi, who last played against Australia, and who is excited for this opportunity,” he added.

Ox Nche is back as Rassie Erasmus makes a few minor tweaks to the #Springboks side for Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship decider in London 🐂
Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 👍#ForeverGreenForeverGold

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 30, 2025