Stalwarts Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth to make first Springbok starts of 2026 against Argentina

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has welcomed back a core group of stalwarts from injury, naming captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Morné van den Berg in a star-studded matchday 23 to face Argentina in Saturday’s Test.

The selection features 13 changes to the starting line-up that saw off Wales in the Springboks’ last Test. Full-back Aphelele Fassi and scrum-half Cobus Reinach are the only starters retained from that Durban victory, while five others — Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, and Gerhard Steenekamp — move to the bench.

A completely revamped pack sees Boan Venter and Thomas du Toit pack down alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Etzebeth partners De Jager in an experienced second-row pairing, while Kolisi returns to skipper the side from the back row alongside Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom.

In the backline, Feinberg-Mngomezulu partners Reinach at half-back. André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker return from minor niggles to link up in a revamped midfield and back three alongside Canan Moodie, Edwill van der Merwe, and Fassi.

“This match is the perfect occasion for players like Siya, Eben, Lood, Sacha, Morné, and the other players returning from injury to get a tough Test under the belt and get back into full swing at international level,” said Erasmus.

“Argentina are a formidable team who will push us to the limit. They have beaten us twice in Argentina before and will have a point to prove on Saturday.”

Erasmus stressed the importance of sharpness against Felipe Contepomi’s charges.

“They have a strong forward pack and dangerous backs, and they will have a very passionate crowd behind them, so we will have to be at our best to win this match. We’ve had to grind out results against them on several occasions in the past, so it will take a proper 80-minute effort this weekend.”

Saturday’s clash at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires kicks off at 9pm (SA time).

Springbok team to face Argentina:

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 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.