Siya Kolisi and Sacha Return As Rassie Names 43-Man Springbok Squad for Argentina Test
- Siya Kolisi and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are back as the Springboks begin preparations for two massive Test assignments
- Rassie Erasmus has also made a selection call involving several players that could shape the coming weeks
- The latest squad announcement offers fresh clues about South Africa's plans for Argentina and New Zealand
Source: Getty Images
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled Siya Kolisi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and several other returning players after naming a 43-man squad to prepare for South Africa's Test against Argentina on 8 August 2026 and the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.
According to SA Rugby Mag, the squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday before the travelling group for Buenos Aires is finalised. World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert and Handré Pollard are also among those returning after injury.
Erasmus said the coaching staff had carefully considered how to manage the group.
"We put a lot of thought into how we will manage the entire group of players to give everyone a chance to stake a claim for places in the squad," he said.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Five released to get game time
Erasmus has released Ntuthuko Mchunu, Evan Roos, André-Hugo Venter, Embrose Papier and Jaco Williams to play for their franchises against the All Blacks.
He said the move would allow several players returning from injury to build up valuable match fitness before the Springboks head to Argentina. Erasmus added that the coaching team would assess the players during next week's training camp before deciding on the final touring squad.
Erasmus refuses to underestimate Argentina
Erasmus said the Springboks would not be taking Argentina lightly after the Pumas stunned South Africa on home soil in 2024.
He described Argentina as "a quality team" and acknowledged the challenge of playing in Buenos Aires, adding that the Boks planned to travel with a strong squad.
The Springboks will remain in Johannesburg for another training camp before the final touring group is confirmed.
The latest squad announcement marks the return of several seasoned campaigners from injury, while others have one last chance to stake their claim before Erasmus finalises his squad for the Argentina Test and the blockbuster clashes against New Zealand.
Source: Getty Images
Full 43-man Springbok squad
Props
- Thomas du Toit (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers)
- Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers)
- Carlu Sadie (Bordeaux Begles)
- Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls)
- Boan Venter (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
Hookers
- Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls)
- Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
Locks
- Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
- Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears)
Loose forwards
- Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers)
- Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers)
- Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls)
- Siya Kolisi (DHL Stormers)
- Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls)
- Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)
Utility forwards
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)
- Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)
- Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls)
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls)
- Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls)
Scrumhalves
- Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne)
- Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers)
- Morne van den Berg (Lions)
- Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers)
Flyhalves
- Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers)
- Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls)
Centres
- Damian de Allende (Wild Knights)
- Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
Outside and utility backs
- Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars)
- Aphelele Fassi (Toshiba)
- Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Quan Horn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
- Cheslin Kolbe (DHL Stormers)
- Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)
- Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)
Players released to their franchises
Forwards
- Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers)
- Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)
- Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers)
Backs
- Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Embrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls)
Standby
- Ruben van Heerden (Montpellier)
Paul de Villiers' rise reignites Springbok selection debate
Briefly News previously reported that Paul de Villiers' outstanding performances during the July Nations Championship have reignited debate over the Springboks' long-term plans at openside flank.
The 23-year-old impressed while standing in for the injured Siya Kolisi, earning widespread praise after a series of standout displays.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
