The Springboks have received a major injury boost as seven key players return to action for Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires, providing ideal preparation ahead of the upcoming four-Test series against the All Blacks.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morné van den Berg, André Esterhuizen, and Ethan Hooker in the matchday squad after all recovered from their respective injuries.
Returning Players & Match Overview
- Injury Returns: Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morné van den Berg, André Esterhuizen, and Ethan Hooker.
- Match Context: Serves as a vital warm-up Test before the four-match ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series against New Zealand.
- Kick-off: Saturday, 8 August 2026 at 21:00 SAST (broadcast live on SuperSport).
“This match is the perfect occasion for players returning from injury to get a tough Test under the belt and get back into full swing at international level, as Argentina are a formidable team who will push us to the limit.”
— Rassie Erasmus, Springbok Head Coach
Springbok Starting XI & Bench vs Argentina
- Backline: 15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Edwill van der Merwe, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. André Esterhuizen, 11. Ethan Hooker, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9. Cobus Reinach.
- Forwards: 8. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Elrigh Louw, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 5. Lood de Jager, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Thomas du Toit, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Boan Venter.
- Replacements: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Zachary Porthen, 19. Ben-Jason Dixon, 20. Cobus Wiese, 21. Marco van Staden, 22. Morné van den Berg, 23. Handré Pollard.
