Los Pumas have reason to be worried. Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a lethal 26-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming one-off Test against Argentina on Saturday, 8 August in Buenos Aires—and it spells major trouble for the hosts.
The world champions travel to South America boosted by the return of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi, world-class lock Eben Etzebeth, veteran lock Lood de Jager, dynamic playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, all back from injury and hungry for match action.
Contrasting Fortunes in the Nations Championship
South Africa enter the clash sitting atop the Southern Hemisphere standings after a perfect start to their Nations Championship campaign, securing dominant victories over England, Scotland, and Wales.
In contrast, Argentina find themselves down in 4th place after a rocky home run:
- Lost 47-38 to Scotland
- Won 35-21 against Wales
- Lost 31-24 to England
Erasmus’ Masterclass: Balancing Rest and Match Sharpness
Erasmus has devised a strategic split-squad setup ahead of the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Tour against the All Blacks:
- In Argentina: Returning stars and players needing game time get a high-intensity Test workout against Los Pumas.
- In Johannesburg: First-choice regulars who have carried heavy workloads—including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, and Ruan Nortje—will rest before reassembling on Sunday to prepare for New Zealand.
- Rehab Unit: Ox Nché and Franco Mostert remain at home to continue their recovery programs.
“Argentina are a quality outfit and we know we will be in for a massive challenge in Buenos Aires… but it will be great for the guys returning from injury to get a tough Test under their belt before we face New Zealand.” — Rassie Erasmus
Official 26-Man Travelling Squad to Argentina
Forwards (15)
- Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (c), Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.
Backs (11)
- André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herschel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.
Match Details
- Fixture: Argentina vs South Africa
- Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Kick-off: 21:00 SAST
- Broadcast: SuperSport Grandstand & Rugby
