The Boks are riding high after their emphatic 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington, and another win on the East Coast will put the world champions in a strong position to defend their Championship title in London next week.

The only changes to the run-on team see Damian Willemse shifting from inside centre to fullback to replace the injured Aphelele Fassi. This opens the door for Damian de Allende to return in the midfield.

Aphelele Fassi. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, the vastly experienced Eben Etzebeth slots into the second row in place of former Cheetahs lock Lood de Jager, who is also sidelined through injury.

There are three tweaks on the bench: Boan Venter comes in as cover at loosehead prop, Jan-Hendrik Wessels will provide back-up at hooker, and Morné van den Berg replaces the injured Grant Williams.

Erasmus stressed the importance of continuity for such a crucial clash.

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

“The make-up of this side not only gives us consistency in selection, but also adds the vast experience of Eben and Damian in the starting team – both are eager to get back on the field. On the bench, Jan-Hendrik covers both prop and hooker efficiently, which gives Boan another opportunity, and Morné steps in too.”

Erasmus added that this Test carries extra weight, given Argentina’s form.

Morné van den Berg. Photo: Morgan Piek

“This is a massive game for both us and the Pumas. If you consider that they’ve beaten both New Zealand and Australia in the Championship, as well as the British & Irish Lions earlier in the season, there’s no doubt we’ll give them the respect they deserve.

“They’ve made huge strides in recent years under Felipe Contepomi, and we know they’ll throw everything at us. They have a powerful pack and a backline full of talent, so they’re dangerous right across the park.”

Saturday’s Test at Kings Park in Durban kicks off at 17:10.

Springboks - 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 Nché

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

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek