Erasmus Introduces Minor Changes for Rugby Championship Final in London
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has announced four adjustments to the match-23 for the Rugby Championship clash against the Pumas at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in London this Saturday. Notably, Ox Nche makes his way back to the starting lineup, joining Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel, and Bongi Mbonambi, all set to serve from the bench.
Nche withdrew at the last moment last week in Durban due to a minor injury, but he has recovered and will pair with Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit in the front row. The bench includes three new additions: scrumhalf Williams, hooker Mbonambi, and utility back Kriel, maintaining a combination of five forwards and three backs.
The rest of the squad remains unchanged, with Eben Etzebeth starting at lock alongside Ruan Nortje, marking his 138th Test appearance. Captain Siya Kolisi, earning his 98th cap, will team up with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in the loose trio.
In the backline, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will again pair as the halfbacks, while Ethan Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe will continue on the wings. Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie will form the midfield partnership, with Damian Willemse stationed as fullback.
On the bench, Mbonambi will back up the front row alongside props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, while RG Snyman provides lock cover and Kwagga Smith steps in as a loose forward. Williams adds backline depth alongside Manie Libbok and Kriel.
“This match feels like a final to us, and we understand the challenge Argentina presents, so we have chosen combinations that we believe will be most effective,” Erasmus commented.
“With only a few personnel changes, most of the team performed admirably last week against the Pumas in Durban and in our previous Rugby Championship matches.
“Ox and Grant could have taken part last week if needed, but Boan (Venter) and Morne (van den Berg) did exceptionally well. Jesse has been rotated in the last two games, and he’s eager to make an impact. The same applies to Bongi, who last competed against Australia and is ready for this opportunity.
“Their experience, alongside the younger talents in our squad, creates an exciting lineup, which is exactly what we need for a match that will essentially determine the Rugby Championship.”
Erasmus anticipates a tough battle against the Pumas: “Last week, they were in the title race, and they’ll be eager to bounce back, so we expect a strong challenge this Saturday.
“Even though they might be out of the title contention, they have secured victories against the All Blacks, Wallabies, and British & Irish Lions this season. It would be a major accomplishment for them to also best us, so we’re gearing up for another demanding clash.
“They have a powerful forward pack and aggressive backs, and they proved last week that if they stick to their game plan, they can be a serious threat.
“However, our main focus is on executing our strategy to secure back-to-back tournament wins, which puts considerable pressure on us. We are aware of our capabilities if we stick to our systems and maintain our performance for the entire 80 minutes.”
Erasmus added, “We’ll have the advantage of knowing exactly what we need to do to secure the title before we step onto the pitch, as Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to play before us, but it’s essential that we perform against a strong competitor.”
The match is set to kick off at 15:00 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok team for the encounter against Argentina in London:
15 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 44 caps, 66 points (6t, 9c, 4p, 2 dg)
14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 45 caps, 126 points (21t, 3c, 5p)
13 Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 40 pts (8t)
12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 92 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 4 caps, 0 points
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 14 caps, 95 points (3t, 25c, 10p)
9 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 45 caps, 75 pts (15t)
8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 38 caps, 10 points (2t)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 92 caps, 70 pts (14t)
6 Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 97 caps, 65 points (13t)
5 Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 12 caps, 0 pts
4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 137 caps, 35 points (7t)
3 Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 29 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 83 caps, 125 pts (25t)
1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 45 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 80 caps, 70 points (14t)
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 8 caps, 10 pts (2t)
18 Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 23 caps, 0 pts
19 RG Snyman (Leinster) – 45 caps, 15 points (3t)
20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 58 caps, 55 points (11t)
21 Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 23 caps, 25 pts (5t)
22 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 23 caps, 133 pts (2t, 42c, 13p)
23 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 83 caps, 95 points (19t)
