Springbok team to play Argentina: Rassie Erasmus leaves out major stars

South Africa’s depth means surprises are always possible, but Rassie Erasmus is expected to reward those who destroyed New Zealand.

Snyman starting over Etzebeth signals a potential passing of the torch, while Libbok gets the nod at fly-half with Pollard waiting in reserve.

Kolisi drops to the bench — a clear case of Erasmus managing his minutes — as Kwagga Smith brings his trademark dynamism to the starting XV.

? It’s now been confirmed that the Springbok team will be named at 14:00 on Tuesday (UK time).

Erasmus has injuries to manage, tweaks to consider, and the Durban crowd to please. Here’s how we see the Boks lining up against Argentina.

15 Damian Willemse
Fresh from a superb outing in Wellington, Willemse is the obvious choice at full-back with Aphelele Fassi sidelined and Willie le Roux released. He brings continuity and confidence, though Kolbe could be a left-field option.

14 Cheslin Kolbe
If fit after a head knock, Kolbe is undroppable. His footwork, aerial game and defensive nous will be vital against Argentina’s dangerous wingers.

13 Canan Moodie
Likely to keep his spot after impressing in New Zealand. Jesse Kriel remains a trusted option, but Moodie’s form makes him hard to overlook.

12 Damian de Allende
The midfield general returns, bringing experience and physicality. Andre Esterhuizen may once again play the role of impact man off the bench.

11 Ethan Hooker
Rewarded for his electric debut start against the All Blacks. The Durban local knows Kings Park conditions well, which could be crucial.

10 Manie Libbok
After steering the Boks to a ruthless win in Wellington with both ball-in-hand brilliance and accuracy off the tee, Libbok has earned the right to run the show in Durban. He’s grown into the jersey, and while Pollard offers calm control, Erasmus looks ready to back Libbok’s flair as first choice.

9 Cobus Reinach
Plenty of options at scrum-half, but Reinach’s pace and sharpness give him the edge. Faf de Klerk and Grant Williams will also be in the mix.

8 Jasper Wiese
Back from suspension and back to his best, Wiese was immense against New Zealand. An easy pick at the base of the scrum.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
The tireless workhorse rarely misses a start. His lineout presence and defensive engine will be key against the Pumas.

6 Kwagga Smith
The Bulls powerhouse comes in for Siya Kolisi as Erasmus carefully manages his captain’s minutes ahead of the century milestone. Smith has been outstanding off the bench and deserves a crack at the starting role, where his energy and breakdown presence will test the Pumas.

5 Ruan Nortje
Steps in for the injured Lood de Jager. A reliable lineout option who continues to grow at Test level.

4 RG Snyman
The giant finally looks like he may have displaced the all-time great Eben Etzebeth. Snyman was outstanding off the bench in Wellington and brings a brutal mix of athleticism, offloading ability and set-piece nous. This could be his moment to make the No. 4 jersey his own.

3 Thomas du Toit
Dominant in the set-piece and effective around the park. No reason to shift him.

2 Malcolm Marx
The heartbeat of the Bok pack. His breakdown steals and set-piece accuracy make him near-untouchable.

1 Ox Nche
Arguably the best loosehead in world rugby right now. His scrummaging power is a weapon South Africa will unleash on Argentina.

16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Andre Esterhuizen