Captain Siya Kolisi headlines the returning group, alongside lock duo Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, exciting playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg. All five have recovered sufficiently to be included for the trip to South America.

The squad departs for Argentina in two groups on Saturday ahead of the once-off Test against Los Pumas on Saturday.

Quan Horn. Photo: Morgan Piek

Several frontline players who have featured prominently in the Springboks’ opening four Tests of the season, including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel and Ruan Nortjé, have been rested for the tour. They will instead regroup in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin preparations for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against New Zealand.

Erasmus explained the selection was aimed at balancing player welfare with giving returning squad members valuable game time before the demanding clashes against the All Blacks.

“We wanted to strike the right balance,” said Erasmus. 

Some of the players returning from injury haven’t had much rugby in recent weeks, so this is a great opportunity for them to get quality Test minutes under their belts before we face New Zealand.

Aphelele Fassi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The players coming back have worked extremely hard during their rehabilitation and have trained well this week. At the same time, it’s important to manage the workload of those who have played consistently throughout the season.”

The Springbok coach also confirmed prop Ox Nché and utility forward Franco Mostert remain on the road to recovery. They will continue their rehabilitation while the squad is in Argentina, using next week’s training camp to build their fitness.

Despite selecting a slightly different group, Erasmus expects a stern examination from the Pumas.

Morné van den Berg. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Argentina are a quality side, and we know exactly how tough this challenge will be. They are a well-coached team that have pushed us hard over the last few seasons and have been very competitive in the Rugby Championship. We expect a physical battle in Buenos Aires.”

The Springbok coach was also pleased with the work completed during this week’s training camp.

“We had a productive week, and everyone understands what is expected of them. The focus remains on continuing to improve as the season progresses.”

Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Test at Estadio José Amalfitani kicks off at 21:00 on Saturday.

Springbok squad to tour Argentina:

Forwards - Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese

Backs - André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herschel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg