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Boks Make Several Changes to Squad for Argentina

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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled hooker Johan Grobbelaar to his 28-man squad for their brief but crucial tour to Argentina. The Springboks are set to face Los Pumas at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on Saturday, 21 September, for their penultimate clash in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

Erasmus, mindful of player workloads, has rested seven key players who have had a demanding few months. This strategic decision comes as the Springboks eye the final round of the tournament in Nelspruit, where they will again face Argentina on 28 September.

Grobbelaar returns to the squad after his participation in the Australian leg of the tournament, where the Springboks secured a full house of points. He will provide crucial cover at hooker alongside Malcolm Marx and versatile forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who can also slot in as a prop.

The seven rested players—Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, and Willie le Roux—will follow a specialized training regime to stay in peak condition before rejoining the squad in Mpumalanga.

The Springboks currently sit atop the Rugby Championship standings with 18 points, having won all four of their matches. Argentina follows with 10 points, trailed by New Zealand with seven and Australia with four. With just three more log points needed to secure their first title since 2019, the Springboks are within striking distance of a tournament triumph. Victory in Argentina would cap a stellar campaign, including winning both the Mandela Challenge Plate and the Freedom Cup.

Erasmus emphasized the importance of giving players in the wider squad opportunities to compete at the highest level. “Playing Argentina in Santiago will be a tough test for this group, especially in front of a passionate and hostile crowd,” he said. “The rested players have earned a break, and it’s the perfect time for them to recharge before our final match.”

Argentina proved their might last week by dismantling Australia 67-27 in Santa Fe, underlining the challenge the Springboks will face. Erasmus is acutely aware of the Pumas' threat but remains confident in his squad’s depth and ability to perform under pressure.

“This tour is short, but we are confident we have sufficient cover in all positions,” Erasmus said. “Players like Grobbelaar, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, and Canan Moodie will benefit from more game time, while others such as Aphelele Fassi and Ben-Jason Dixon have taken their opportunities well this season.”

While Erasmus' focus is firmly on securing victory in Argentina, he remains committed to testing his squad in high-pressure environments, preparing them for future challenges, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Springbok squad features a balanced mix of experience and youth, with key players ready to step up. This includes Grobbelaar and Marx as the two specialist hookers, while Canan Moodie adds versatility, covering multiple positions across the backline.

The Springboks will assemble in Stellenbosch on Wednesday to begin their preparations before departing for Argentina on Saturday.

Springbok Squad for Argentina Tour:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls)

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls)

Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)
Utility Forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls)

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Utility Back: Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

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Kevin Rademeyer



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