Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch in his first game since undergoing ankle surgery in late May. His absence left a noticeable void during the start of the Nations Championship, but South Africa managed to navigate the early games without him. However, Rassie Erasmus will be eager to have the 24-year-old back in the mix as the team gears up for the All Blacks series.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return presents Erasmus with a new layer of depth at the number 10 jersey. While Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok have done a commendable job in his absence, the young playmaker brings a distinct level of flair and creativity. Given his natural talent and potential to become one of rugby’s greats, his inclusion is a significant boost as the Springboks prepare to face their greatest rivals.
The squad’s size of 26 players means that a number of returning stars will be given opportunities to regain their form. Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are among those returning after managing only one appearance each since the Autumn Nations Series last year. Their combined experience and physicality are key assets for the team, and their return could provide a strong foundation in the engine room.
Returning Players
Etzebeth and de Jager are often seen as one of the top lock pairings in the Springboks lineup. While Ruan Nortje has taken on a more prominent role due to his exceptional lineout skills, de Jager remains a valuable asset with his experience and ability to perform under pressure. His performance in this weekend's game could be a stepping stone to becoming a key player in the upcoming All Blacks series.
Ethan Hooker and Morne van den Berg are also set to feature in the match, giving them a chance to stake their claim for the All Blacks Tests. Hooker made his first appearance since April in the Nations Championship game against Scotland, playing 45 minutes, but he still needs more game time to find his rhythm. Van den Berg, who has been out since May, will be eager to prove his form and recapture the momentum he displayed during the Autumn Nations Series last year.
Versatile Squad
Erasmus has built a squad that values versatility and adaptability. Marco van Staden, for example, can fill in at hooker, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels is a strong candidate to play prop, offering valuable flexibility in the front row. Cobus Wiese, despite being a lock, has experience at number eight, making him another adaptable option in the team.
The backline also features potential changes, with Cobus Reinach and Van den Berg capable of moving to the wing. Pollard, who is on the bench, has also been used as a centre cover in previous games. Meanwhile, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s ability to play at full-back offers Erasmus yet another option, allowing him to tweak his lineup as needed.
While the selection of 26 players is based largely on who is available, it does highlight the strength and depth of the Springboks under Erasmus. With so many players who can adapt to different roles, the team is well-equipped to handle any challenges, particularly in the coming weeks as they face the All Blacks.
Wilco Louw, Herschel Jantjies, and Quan Horn are the unfortunate players left out of the 26-man squad. Jantjies and Horn are both high-profile exclusions, missing an opportunity to prove themselves for the upcoming All Blacks Tests. Their absence is particularly notable given their respective skills and potential contributions to the team.
Louw's omission is especially surprising, considering his performances in the Nations Championship. He had shown enough to suggest he could be a valuable addition to the squad. However, with the need to maintain a compact and adaptable group for Argentina, Erasmus has made the tough call to leave him out. While it leaves a gap, the current selection seems well-suited to the immediate challenge ahead.