24/09/2025 18:03
South Africa have named a settled squad to face Argentina, with Rassie Erasmus prioritising continuity and cohesion in the Rugby Championship. The selections point to a coaching group doubling down on combinations they trust—while the head coach’s own admission of a misread on Los Pumas adds edge to the build-up.
Five themes from the team sheet
- Consistency first: minimal changes underline a belief that rhythm beats wholesale rotation.
- Formidable partnerships: spine combinations are preserved to anchor set-piece and breakdown.
- Bench balance: impact and versatility to match Argentina’s late-game surges.
- Territory tools: kicking options stacked for pressure and contestables.
- Defensive steel: selectors back systems that suffocate territory and force errors.
Erasmus holds hands up
The Bok boss has acknowledged getting elements "wrong" about Argentina’s approach, an honesty that usually precedes tactical recalibration. Expect sharper contest work, big collisions in the carry and tackle, and stricter discipline to deny the Pumas footholds.
It’s the Bok way: learn fast, double down on strengths, and squeeze. Argentina will know exactly what’s coming—stopping it remains the task.