Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has kept faith in consistency while making a few tactical tweaks as the Springboks prepare for a bruising Rugby Championship collision with Argentina at Kings Park on Saturday.
Damian Willemse will wear the No 15 jersey after Aphelele Fassi’s injury, with Erasmus confident the versatile playmaker can steady the backfield.
“People think he’s young, but he’s already won World Cups and a Lions series,” the coach said.
“Sometimes you just need one game to find form again. With Fassi out, it was an obvious choice.”
The only other backline change sees Damian de Allende return to his familiar inside centre role, pairing with Canan Moodie in a midfield combination Erasmus believes offers “instinct and balance.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu keeps his place at flyhalf, with Manie Libbok waiting in the wings to spark late shifts if needed.
Up front, the return of Eben Etzebeth for the injured Lood de Jager restores steel to the engine room, while Thomas du Toit continues ahead of Wilco Louw at tighthead.
Minor tweaks to the #Springboks team for Saturday's clash against Argentina in Durban 💛💚
Limited tickets still available: https://t.co/rXSrJ43BkI 🎟#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 23, 2025
Erasmus compared the selection to the Bok hooker rotation:
“Thomas gives us mobility around the park, while Wilco is one of the best scrummagers in the world. It’s about what each man brings at different stages of the game.”
The Boks know the Pumas won’t roll over. Felipe Contepomi’s side have already scalped New Zealand and Australia, and sit just two points off the Championship lead.
“They’re fearless and well-organised,” Erasmus warned.
“Since I’ve been involved, they’ve taught us some tough lessons. They’re a real threat.”
With the Wallabies on 11 points, and the Boks and All Blacks tied on 10, Argentina lurking on nine, the title race is as tight as a reset scrum. Durban will decide who stays in the hunt.
Kick-off is at 17:10, live on SuperSport.
Springbok squad to face Argentina
Starting XV: Damian Willemse; Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian De Allende, Ethan Hooker; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Jasper Wiese, Pieter Steph Du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain); Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth; Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.
Bench: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Morne Van den Berg, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen.
