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Rassie’s reinforcements: Springbok stars ready for Argentina challenge 

2 months By Chumasande Matiwane

The Springboks have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming Test against Argentina, with several senior stars returning to the squad just days before the Buenos Aires showdown on Saturday, 8 August 2026 at 9pm.  

Also see: Springboks step up Nations Championship preparations for England clash

Which Springboks are returning to face Argentina?

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has welcomed back his group of experienced players in preparation for a demanding period that includes the Argentina fixture and a four-Test series against New Zealand.  

Among the notable returnees are captain Siya Kolisi, lock Eben Etzebeth, veteran forward Lood de Jager and playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. 

According to IOL, several players who have been involved in the team’s opening four matches of the season, such as Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, and Ruan Nortje, will reassemble at the team’s training base in Johannesburg. 

Erasmus said: “We tried to get the balance right between giving some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time in our last four matches a valuable run against Argentina, whilst at the same time managing the players who have played a lot of rugby this year.” 

Also see: Springboks’ road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup revealed

The returning players will need to regain match sharpness quickly, with the Argentina Test serving as an important preparation fixture before the high-profile battles against New Zealand. 

For Erasmus, the match is not only about securing a result but also about finding the right balance between restoring his returning stars and continuing to build squad depth. 

With Kolisi, Etzebeth and other key figures back in the mix, the Springboks head into the contest with renewed confidence and a stronger squad at their disposal. 

Also see: Meet the three highest-paid Springboks playing in South Africa

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