Rassie Erasmus Names Springboks Squad For Rugby Championship Decider
Rassie Erasmus Names Springboks Squad For Rugby Championship Decider
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus names his matchday 23 for The Rugby Championship decider against Argentina, with Eben Etzebeth set for a historic cap.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his matchday 23 for the decisive Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Nelspruit, South Africa, a match that promises to be historic for both South African rugby and lock Eben Etzebeth.
The fixture not only will decide the tournament champion, it also will see Etzebeth become the most capped Springbok in history, earning his 128th test cap, surpassing Victor Matfield's record of 127.
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Erasmus has welcomed back several key players who were rested for the previous match against Argentina.
In a major shakeup, Etzebeth returns to the starting XV alongside Ruan Nortje, forming a formidable lock pairing. Nine changes in total, including one positional switch, have been made from the team that lost to Los Pumas in Argentina.
Among the returning players, six double Rugby World Cup winners - Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi - have been named in the starting lineup, with Kolisi resuming his role as captain.
The starting pack mirrors the powerful forward combination that overcame New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town, showcasing Erasmus's intent to field an experienced and cohesive side.
The backline sees Aphelele Fassi retained at fullback, teaming up with Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Jesse Kriel and De Allende continue their partnership in the midfield. Jaden Hendrikse and Manie Libbok are promoted to the starting XV, pushing Cobus Reinach and Handré Pollard to the bench.
Erasmus opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, featuring Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp and Vincent Koch as prop cover. Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pollard, Reinach and Lukhanyo Am round out the substitutes.
Erasmus expressed confidence in his selections, emphasizing the importance of experience with 19 Rugby World Cup winners included. He praised Etzebeth’s record-setting achievement, stating, “We are all very proud of him and want to make this a special and memorable occasion.”
Manie Libbok, promoted despite missing a crucial penalty last week, has received full backing from Erasmus, who praised his energy and playmaking abilities.
The coach added, “It’s not just up to him to find solutions for his goal-kicking, it is something we have to do as a team.”
The match against Argentina promises to be a fierce encounter, as the Springboks aim to win the title and make it a special day for Etzebeth and the entire team.
South Africa Lineup
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard , 23 Lukhanyo Am
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