Set your alarms and get the braai ready! The world champion Springboks have officially departed for South America ahead of their high-stakes one-off Test against Los Pumas at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.
Rassie Erasmus’ side enters the clash boasting three consecutive wins to open their 2026 international campaign. However, this fixture carries massive weight as returning heavyweights—including captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu—look to prove their match sharpness before the upcoming four-Test series against the All Blacks.
Key Fixture & Broadcast Information
- Match: Argentina vs South Africa
- Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 SAST (16:00 local Argentina time / 20:00 BST)
- Venue: Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
- Broadcast: Live on SuperSport Grandstand & Rugby channels
Erasmus Balancing Fitness & Squad Auditions
With core stars resting in South Africa to prepare for New Zealand, Saturday’s match serves as both a physical Test and a final audition for several fringe players fighting for places in the main squad.
“Argentina are a quality team, and you’ll quickly see who is ready to play against New Zealand two weeks later. That said… it was always about honouring our relationship with Argentina.” — Rassie Erasmus
26-Man Travelling Squad
- 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.
