Rassie backs tried and tested for Argentina clash

Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus, has opted for consistency in selection ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban.

Following a 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington less than two weeks ago, Erasmus has made just two changes to his starting XV.

Eben Etzebeth replaces Lood de Jager at lock, while Damian Willemse moves to fullback after Aphelele Fassi suffered an injury. Damian de Allende slots in at inside centre.

Three changes were also made to the replacements bench, maintaining a 5-3 split. Boan Venter joins to cover loosehead prop, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels as the replacement hooker and Morne van den Berg coming in as back-up scrum-half for Grant Williams, who is nursing a niggle.

“We were very pleased with the way the team rose to the challenge against the All Blacks in Wellington, and looking at the Pumas team and their strengths, we believe this would be the best team for this specific match,” said Erasmus.

“The make-up of this team not only allows us consistency in selection, but we’ll also have the vast experience of Eben and Damian de Allende in the starting team, who are excited to get back on the field again.” he added.

Springboks team:

15-Damian Willemse, 14-Cheslin Kolbe, 13-Canan Moodie, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Ethan Hooker, 10-Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9-Cobus Reinach, 8-Jasper Wiese, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya Kolisi (captain), 5-Ruan Nortje, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 3-Thomas du Toit, 2-Malcolm Marx, 1-Ox Nche

Replacements: 16-Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17-Boan Venter, 18-Wilco Louw, 19-RG Snyman, 20-Kwagga Smith, 21-Morne van den Berg, 22-Manie Libbok, 23-Andre Esterhuizen