Springboks vs Argentina: Etzebeth, Kolisi and Feinberg-Mngomezulu Return for Buenos Aires Test
- The Springboks travel to Buenos Aires on Saturday to face Argentina in their final Test before the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand
- Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all return from injury to feature in the starting lineup
- South Africa have an impressive record in Buenos Aires, having won all 10 previous Tests against Los Pumas in the Argentinian capital
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
The Springboks have received a significant injury boost ahead of their Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, 8 August, with captain Siya Kolisi, veteran lock Eben Etzebeth and utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all returning to the starting lineup.
Kick-off at Estadio José Amalfitani is scheduled for 9 p.m. CAT, with South African viewers able to watch on SuperSport via DStv channels 201 and 211. Christophe Ridley of England will serve as referee.
Key returnees bolster Springbok line-up
Feinberg-Mngomezulu makes his comeback after missing approximately two months of rugby following ankle surgery he required after an injury sustained while playing for the Stormers. The 23-year-old lines up at flyhalf, partnering scrumhalf Cobus Reinach in the half-back pairing.
Kolisi returns to lead the side at blindside flanker, while Etzebeth and fellow lock Lood de Jager are also back in the engine room. Among the backs, centre Andre Esterhuizen and wing Ethan Hooker start after recovering from recent knocks, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is available from the bench after overcoming a torn bicep.
The full Springbok starting fifteen reads: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi (captain), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaar and Boan Venter.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Pumas pose a genuine threat away from home
Despite South Africa's dominance in world rugby over the past seven years, which includes back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 as well as the last two Rugby Championship crowns, Argentina have proven a difficult opponent on home soil.
The Springboks' most recent visit to Argentina ended in a 29-28 defeat in Santiago del Estero in 2024, and their last meeting, a 29-27 victory at Twickenham in 2025, was far from comfortable.
However, the record in Buenos Aires specifically tells a different story. South Africa have won all 10 Tests played in the Argentinian capital, and hold an overall record of 35 wins, one draw and four defeats from 40 matches against Los Pumas since 1993, including victories in each of their last three encounters.
Saturday's match serves as the Springboks' final preparation fixture before the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
