The Springbok squad has been announced for the upcoming tour of Argentina, with coach Rassie Erasmus making strategic decisions to rest seven key players ahead of the final match in Nelspruit. These players, who have had an intense workload over the past few months, will sit out the Argentina tour to focus on recovery and remain fresh for the last leg of the Rugby Championship on 28 September.
The decision to rest these players is part of Erasmus’s broader plan to ensure the team is in peak condition for the crucial match against Argentina in Mpumalanga. The seven players who will not travel are Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Frans Malherbe (prop), Pieter-Steph du Toit (loose forward), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), Damian de Allende (centre), Cheslin Kolbe (wing), and Willie le Roux (fullback). Instead of joining their teammates in Argentina, these players will follow a specialised training regime to maintain their sharpness.
Key Players Rested:
- Bongi Mbonambi (Hooker)
- Frans Malherbe (Prop)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (Loose Forward)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Flyhalf)
- Damian de Allende (Centre)
- Cheslin Kolbe (Wing)
- Willie le Roux (Fullback)
Springbok Squad for Argentina Tour:
- Props: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp
- Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx
- Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje
- Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese
- Utility Forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams
- Flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Handré Pollard
- Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel
- Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi
- Utility Back: Canan Moodie
This refreshed squad will face the Pumas in Argentina, offering an opportunity for other talented players to step up while the rested players prepare for the intense final clash back in South Africa.
Conclusion:
The Springboks’ decision to rest key players while maintaining a strong squad for the Argentina tour highlights the strategic thinking of Erasmus and his team. With the Rugby Championship nearing its end, all eyes will be on how the squad performs in Argentina, while the rested players aim to return stronger for the deciding match in Nelspruit. Fans will be eager to see how this tactical move pays off as South Africa aims to end the competition on a high.