Springboks name 43-man squad for Argentina, All Blacks clashes

Durban, July 19, South Africa’s rugby coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be fit to play against Argentina in a one-off test match scheduled for August 8 in Buenos Aires. The confirmation comes after Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who missed recent matches due to injury, was cleared to return following a successful recovery period. His inclusion adds depth to the squad ahead of the crucial clash against the Pumas. In Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Wales, the Springboks secured a dominant 43-0 victory, marking their third consecutive bonus-point win in the tournament. Among the standout performers was 20-year-old Vusi Moyo, who made his Test debut and impressed despite challenging conditions. Moyo, one of four debutants in the lineup, faced moments of pressure during the match, particularly in the second half when his kicking accuracy dipped under the influence of both fatigue and nerves. Erasmus acknowledged Moyo’s performance, noting that the young player managed the challenges effectively. “He definitely played well,” the coach said. “But I’ve been there; in your first or second test, you’re tired because of the nerves and I thought his tyres were a little pap in the second half when we took him off.” Despite the occasional lapse, Moyo’s contributions helped the team maintain control throughout the match. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s return is viewed as a positive development for the squad, especially given the ongoing injury concerns surrounding veteran flyhalf Handre Pollard. Pollard, who has been a key figure in South Africa’s backline, is currently dealing with a hamstring issue and is expected to miss the upcoming match against Argentina. Erasmus did not comment directly on Pollard’s condition but emphasized the importance of having multiple options available in the flyhalf position. The Springboks' performance against Wales was marked by moments of inconsistency, though they ultimately capitalized on their opportunities. Erasmus noted that playing an expansive style in the wet conditions posed a challenge, particularly against a disciplined Welsh defense. However, the team managed to avoid losing any lineout balls and improved significantly in their defensive efforts compared to their previous encounter against Scotland. “We had a lot of fixes that we got right,” Erasmus said. “Our defence was better than last week, we worked really hard on that, and then our set piece was really solid. I think a lot of guys came through this test with ticks against their name.” The emphasis on defensive improvements and set-piece execution reflects the coaching staff’s focus on building consistency ahead of the Argentina match. Looking ahead, the Springboks are preparing for a formidable opponent in Argentina, a team they have historically struggled against. Erasmus acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Pumas, citing past encounters where South Africa has found themselves on the receiving end of close losses. “Argentina is going to be tough, they’ve had our number a few times,” he said. “We are just trying to build our game and I think today was another step forward.” With the August 8 match approaching, the focus remains on refining the team’s strengths and addressing areas for improvement. The Springboks will need to maintain the momentum gained from their recent performances while ensuring they are fully prepared for the tactical and physical demands of facing Argentina.