The Springboks are set to unleash a dangerous mix of returning heavyweights and explosive young talent in Buenos Aires! Following the announcement of a 26-man travelling squad, attention shifts to how head coach Rassie Erasmus will assemble his matchday 23 for the one-off Test on Saturday, 8 August.
With captain Siya Kolisi, lock pair Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, dynamic playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg returning from injury, the Boks possess the firepower to make a major statement.
Predicted Springbok Matchday 23
Starting XV (1–15)
- Gerhard Steenekamp (Loosehead Prop)
- Johan Grobbelaar (Hooker)
- Zachary Porthen (Tighthead Prop)
- Eben Etzebeth (Lock)
- Lood de Jager (Lock)
- Siya Kolisi (Captain & Blindside Flanker)
- Ben-Jason Dixon (Openside Flanker)
- Cameron Hanekom (Eighthman)
- Herschel Jantjies (Scrumhalf)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Flyhalf)
- Edwill van der Merwe (Left Wing)
- André Esterhuizen (Inside Centre)
- Canan Moodie (Outside Centre)
- Ethan Hooker (Right Wing)
- Aphelele Fassi (Fullback)
Bomb Squad / Impact Bench (16–23)
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels | 17. Boan Venter | 18. Wilco Louw | 19. Cobus Wiese | 20. Marco van Staden | 21. Elrigh Louw | 22. Morné van den Berg | 23. Quan Horn.
Selection Strategy: Tactical Rest & Bold Tests
- Who Misses Out? If Erasmus opts for this combination, veteran stars Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, and Thomas du Toit could be rested from the matchday 23. The coaching staff already knows their proven Test pedigree and may prioritize giving game time to rising contenders.
- Youth Meets Experience: Young stars like Cameron Hanekom, Ethan Hooker, and Zachary Porthen get a massive opportunity to test themselves in a hostile South American environment alongside world champions.
“Argentina are a quality outfit and we know we will be in for a massive challenge in Buenos Aires… It will be a good test for us as a team.” — Rassie Erasmus
Match Info
- Fixture: Argentina vs South Africa
- Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Kick-off: 21:00 SAST
- Broadcast: Live on SuperSport
