Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says Saturday’s Test against Argentina is the ideal opportunity for several players to make their return from injury.
Erasmus has recalled a host of experienced campaigners for the Buenos Aires clash, including captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morné van den Berg.
André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker are also back after recovering from niggles.
The match 23 shows 13 changes from the side that beat Wales 43-0 in Durban, with only fullback Aphelele Fassi and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach retained in the starting XV.
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The one-off Test is the Boks’ final hitout before the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
“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, as Argentina are a formidable team, who will push us to the limit,” Erasmus said.
“The guys have been working very hard to return from injury and there is no better test to measure where they are than facing the Pumas in Argentina.
“The other players in the squad also all deserve their places and have been waiting patiently as we tested combinations in the last few matches, and one can sense the excitement in the group to get back onto the field.”
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Erasmus expects another fierce contest against Los Pumas, who have beaten the Springboks twice on home soil during his tenure.
“The Argentineans are very similar to South Africans in many ways,” he said. “Their passion and patriotism for their country and people, and the way they give everything on the field and keep fighting is a testament to the type of Test match we are expecting this weekend.
“They have beaten us twice in Argentina before and they delivered brave performances in their Nations Championship matches, and will have a point to prove on Saturday, so we are fully aware of the challenge ahead.”
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Erasmus also backed his blend of World Cup winners and emerging talent to deliver.
“This squad includes a bunch of Rugby World Cup winners and extremely talented young players,” he said. “We have full faith that they will rise to the occasion.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Rassie: Perfect time for Bok stars to return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says Saturday’s Test against Argentina is the ideal opportunity for several players to make their return from injury.
The post Rassie: Perfect time for Bok stars to return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
