Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber is facing a "very difficult" squad selection ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks proved they are on track with their Rugby World Cup preparations as they delivered a strong second-half performance to overpower Argentina 24-13 in the first of three warm-up games at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The Springboks secured an impressive 24-13 victory over Argentina following a strong second half showing in Buenos Aires on Saturday evening.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Bongi Mbonambi said the team were ready for what is going to be a brutal battle against the Pumas at Estadio Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday in the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up games.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi will captain the national team for first time on Saturday when he leads a new-look combination against Argentina in Buenos Aires in the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up games. The team shows 13 changes to the starting line-up, while the 23 includes talented prop Gerhard Steenekamp, who could make his Springbok debut.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber likened his team’s hard-fought 22-21 Castle Lager Rugby Championship victory over Argentina on Saturday to a typical Rugby World Cup arm wrestle.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a squad of 26 players for the trip to Buenos Aires for their opening Rugby World Cup warm-up game on Saturday, 5 August, with several players who did not feature against the Pumas at Emirates Airline Park, boarding the airplane early on Sunday morning.
Springbok captain Duane Vermeulen and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick stressed the importance of closing off the home leg of their 2023 season on a high note before the team enters their Rugby World Cup warm-up games and said a victory would be special for many reasons.
A large group of players – including seven who are uncapped at senior international level – will assemble in Stellenbosch from Friday as Springbok Women interim head coach Louis Koen gets the ball rolling for their WXV preparation with an alignment camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen will lead a new-look Bok team in their final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday in what could be the competition decider depending on the result between New Zealand and Australia in Melbourne.