Springboks Suffer Injury Setbacks As Erasmus Names Squad For Argentina Showdown

Three Key Players Ruled Out

The Springboks will have to make do without three influential players as Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, and Aphelele Fassi have been released from the Rugby Championship squad due to injuries. All three picked up knocks on the recent tour of New Zealand, adding to an already long injury list that includes Kurt-Lee Arendse, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Gerhard Steenekamp.

Durban And London On The Horizon

The Boks will regroup in Durban on Thursday to prepare for their crucial double-header against Argentina: first at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on 27 September, then in London at Twickenham on 4 October. With just a single point separating all four teams on the log, the final rounds could swing the championship in any direction.

The Wallabies currently lead with 11 points, while South Africa and New Zealand sit tied on 10, and the Pumas lurk close behind on nine. Erasmus stressed the importance of consistency and said every point will matter as the tournament heads to its climax.

Erasmus Backs His Depth

Erasmus, while disappointed to lose key figures, believes the Springboks’ depth will carry them through. “We are blessed with talent in South Africa,” he said. “As sad as we are for players such as Lood, Jean-Luc, and Aphelele, we have capable guys to fill their boots. Our versatile players give us the ability to adapt across positions, which is crucial in a tournament this tight.”

The coach also highlighted the continuity of the squad, noting that 46 players have already featured this season across Tests and the Barbarians clash. “The younger and older guys training against each other has paid off, and we have no doubt this group can get the job done,” Erasmus added.

Pumas Bring Momentum

Argentina are no strangers to upsetting giants. Fresh from a narrow 28-26 win over Australia in Sydney and ranked sixth in the world, Los Pumas head into the Durban Test brimming with confidence. They have already beaten New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions in recent seasons, and even downed the Springboks in Santiago Del Estero last year.

Erasmus acknowledged the threat: “The Pumas are tough and physical, with quality forwards and backs. They play with guts and passion, so we know it will take two great performances to beat them and hopefully reclaim the Rugby Championship title.”

Squad To Face Argentina

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.

Backs: Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.

Social Media And Fan Reaction

Supporters have taken to social media with mixed emotions. Many praised Erasmus for keeping faith in his wider squad, while others expressed concern about the growing injury list. Some fans pointed to Twickenham as the ultimate decider, with one post reading, “London will be where the trophy is won or lost. Every Bok needs to step up.”

In true South African fashion, confidence remains high. Hashtags like #StrongerTogether and #Bokke trended overnight, proving that, despite the setbacks, fans still believe the Boks have what it takes to defend their Rugby Championship crown.

Source: SABC Sport 

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