The Springboks are in Buenos Aires for a highly anticipated Test against Argentina, with South Africa fielding a strong side featuring several key players returning from injury and extended spells on the sidelines.
The one-off Test at Estadio José Amalfitani kicks off at 21:00 South African time, with the Springboks looking to continue their strong record against Los Pumas while using the match as an important test ahead of their upcoming four-Test series against the All Blacks.
Kolisi, Etzebeth and Sacha Return
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi returns to lead the team after missing the July international matches with a hamstring injury. He is joined in the starting XV by experienced forwards Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also makes his return after an injury layoff.
Etzebeth is set to extend his record as the most-capped Springbok of all time, adding another milestone to an already remarkable international career.
For Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the match represents an opportunity to turn the difficult period recovering from injury into a positive experience and make his presence felt once again in the green and gold.
Springboks vs Argentina: A Strong Rivalry
South Africa have historically dominated this fixture, winning 35 of their previous 40 Tests against Argentina, with one draw and four defeats.
However, the Pumas have demonstrated that they are capable of troubling the world champions. Their most recent victory over South Africa came in 2024, when Argentina edged the Springboks 29-28 in Santiago del Estero.
Interestingly, South Africa’s record in Buenos Aires remains particularly strong, with the Boks unbeaten there against Argentina since 1993.
Strong Springbok Line-Up
South Africa’s starting XV features a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent.
Springboks starting XV:
- Aphelele Fassi
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Canan Moodie
- André Esterhuizen
- Ethan Hooker
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Cobus Reinach
- Cameron Hanekom
- Elrigh Louw
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Lood de Jager
- Eben Etzebeth
- Thomas du Toit
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Boan Venter
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Cobus Wiese, Marco van Staden, Morné van den Berg and Handre Pollard.
Argentina have also made significant changes to their squad, with four players set to make their Test debuts against South Africa.
A Test With Bigger Implications
Although the Springboks have insisted their attention is firmly on Argentina, this match also provides an important opportunity to build momentum and sharpen combinations ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand.
The return of several senior players gives the coaching staff a chance to assess their match readiness while continuing to develop the depth that has become one of South Africa’s biggest strengths.
The Springbok starting XV carries 541 Test caps, including 384 among the forwards and 157 in the backline, while the replacements bring another 176 caps of international experience.
LIVE SPRINGBOKS VS ARGENTINA SCORE
South Africa vs Argentina
Venue: Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 SAST
Live scoring:
Argentina: —
South Africa: —
Follow the score, tries, conversions, penalties and major moments as the Test unfolds.
The Springboks will be hoping their returning stars can make an immediate impact against a dangerous Argentine side, while Los Pumas will be looking to produce another upset on home soil.
Who are you backing to win in Buenos Aires—Springboks or Argentina?
