The Springboks have wrapped up an undefeated mid-year Test window, and head coach Rassie Erasmus has delivered a massive series of fitness updates as the squad prepares for their upcoming Nations Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires on 8 August 2026.
With a strategic split-squad system in place, several headline stars are set to make their long-awaited returns from the medical room to gain vital match fitness ahead of the incoming All Blacks series.
Major Returns: Captain Kolisi & Play makers Cleared
- Siya Kolisi: After missing all three July Tests due to a hamstring strain, the Springbok captain is officially set to board the plane to Argentina to spearhead the squad.
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Fully recovered from an ankle injury, the versatile playmaker is primed to reclaim the starting No. 10 jersey against Los Pumas.
- Eben Etzebeth & Lood de Jager: Both world-class locks are expected to receive full medical clearance—Etzebeth following a recent concussion protocol and De Jager recovering from a long-term setback.
- More Backline & Forward Depth: Scrumhalves Cobus Reinach (knee) and Morné van den Berg, along with rising star Ethan Hooker, are declared fit for selection.
The Sidelines: Ox Nché Out, Esterhuizen Avoids Surgery
While the return list is stacked, the world champions are still managing key absences in the physical department:
- Ox Nché: The destructive loosehead prop remains sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to miss the trip to South America as he completes his rehabilitation over the coming weeks.
- André Esterhuizen: The hard-hitting utility back suffered a fractured cheekbone during the victory over England at Ellis Park. While he will miss the Argentina Test, he will not require surgery and is on track to return for the opening All Blacks clash in Johannesburg on 22 August.
“Siya will be back, Eben, Lood, and Sacha as well. Ox won’t be back yet… Ethan Hooker and Morné van den Berg will also be back against Argentina, and we will put them to the test then.” — Rassie Erasmus
