Most of the players who retained the Freedom Cup in New Zealand last weekend have been included, as the Boks prepare for a decisive end to the tournament.

The squad will assemble in Durban on Thursday after a short break with their families, readying themselves for clashes that will determine whether they can hold onto the Championship crown. Their first meeting with Argentina will be at Kings Park on 27 September, followed by a trip to Twickenham on 4 October.

Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Morgan Piek

Injuries have ruled out several players, including Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, and Aphelele Fassi, who were hurt on the New Zealand tour. Other long-term absentees include Gerhard Steenekamp, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Kurt-Lee Arendse. 

Despite these setbacks, Erasmus expressed confidence in the depth of the squad, which features 18 forwards and 15 backs. Up to three more players could join after medical assessments, with around 30 expected to travel to London.

The Rugby Championship log remains tight. Australia currently leads with eleven points, while South Africa and New Zealand sit just behind on ten each, and Argentina are on nine. With all four teams having won two of their four matches, the final rounds will be fiercely contested.

Morné van den Berg. Photo: Morgan Piek

“This group has been together for over 13 weeks, and they’ve shown they are ready for this challenge,” said Erasmus.

“We’ve used 46 players in the past eight matches, but training together daily has built cohesion, and I believe these are the right men to go for the title.”

He praised the blend of youth and experience in the squad, noting the value of versatile players who can cover multiple positions. While disappointed by injuries to key names, he highlighted South Africa’s depth as a major strength.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We're blessed with talent, and although it’s tough losing players like Lood, Jean-Luc, and Aphelele, others are more than capable of stepping in.”

The coach expects two bruising contests against a Pumas side high on confidence after beating Australia 28-26 in Sydney and moving to sixth in the world rankings. “Argentina are physical, passionate, and have beaten top teams like Australia, New Zealand, and the Lions. We’ll need two massive performances to beat them and retain the Championship.” 

With the standings finely balanced, every point will be crucial. The Springboks know that nothing less than near-perfect performances will be enough to reclaim the title.

Next week, Saturday’s Test at Kings’ Park between the Springboks and Los Pumas kick-off at 17:10.

Springbok squad for Argentina:

Forwards – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese

Backs - Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg