Springboks vs Pumas: Etzebeth starts in crucial Rugby Championship match

Springboks Face Pumas in Durban for the Rugby Championship

The South African Springboks will face Argentina’s Pumas this Saturday in Durban, as part of the Rugby Championship. Boks coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to maintain confidence in the team that beat New Zealand two weeks ago. The Boks achieved a resounding victory over the All Blacks with a score of 43-10 in Wellington, keeping the excitement in the Rugby Championship standings with two matchdays remaining. So far, the Boks have suffered two defeats in four matches, one against Australia (who leads the standings) and another against the Kiwis in Auckland. Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse have been included in the starting team, replacing Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi, respectively. Consequently, Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie will form the center pairing.

This is a vital match for both us and Los Pumas, and considering they beat New Zealand and Australia in the first four rounds of the competition, as well as the British & Irish Lions earlier in the season, there is no doubt that we will give them the respect they deserve.

Rassie Erasmus

Erasmus highlighted the importance of the match, acknowledging Argentina’s progress in recent seasons and the astuteness of their coach, Felipe Contepomi. In addition, he pointed out the strength of the Argentine forward pack and the talent of their backs, which represents a threat on all fronts.

The Boks coach also stated that the team is prepared for the challenge, after some good training sessions since the previous Thursday. He acknowledged the passion and pride of Argentina, a team that gives everything for their country. Erasmus added that any team could win the title, so it is crucial to take advantage of scoring opportunities and play the full 80 minutes to achieve the desired result. He also recalled that, although Argentina has beaten them in Durban on one occasion, historical results will not matter in this match. The coach also highlighted that Argentina is ranked sixth in the world, above the Wallabies, so they are not underestimating them.

Springboks Lineup

Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.Substitutes: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen.