Moerat to lead Boks as Rassie rings changes for Argentina clash

JOHANNESBURG - Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus made ten changes to his side for the penultimate Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

Salmaan Moerat will captain the side as it looks to claim the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019. The Springboks need to avoid defeat against the Pumas to claim the title.

Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel retain their places in the starting side, with Aphelele Fassi (fullback), Kurt-Lee Arendse and Makazole Mapimpi (wings), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Ben-Jason Dixon and Marco van Staden (loose forwards), Thomas du Toit (prop), Lukhanyo Am (centre), Malcolm Marx and Moerat completing the starting line up.

The bench has six forwards and two backs and consists of Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Gerhard Steenekamp, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Manie Libbok.

BIGGER PICTURE

"It would be amazing to wrap up the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title this weekend, but it won’t be easy, and we have a bigger picture in mind as well, which is to build squad depth with an eye on the 2027 World Cup," said Erasmus.
 
"The only way we can do that is to expose the younger players to tough opposition under difficult circumstances, and so far, all of them have risen to that challenge.
 
"We’re excited about this squad and to see what the younger players can do in pretty tough playing conditions with such a passionate support base in Argentina and also at a new stadium.
 
"The fact that Los Pumas are still in the running for the title for the first time ever will drive their team and supporters even more. We have no doubt we will be tested to the limit both as a team and the players as individuals, and we are excited to see how they deal with the pressure that comes with playing here." 

Springbok team to face Argentina in Santiago del Estero:

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements:

16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Manie Libbok