UPDATE: The South African Springboks have made a crucial change to their starting line-up just days before their final Rugby Championship test against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Prop Ox Nche returns to the front row, aiming to strengthen the scrum as the Springboks strive to defend their title.
Nche missed last weekend’s impressive 67-30 victory over Argentina in Durban, a win that positioned South Africa at the top of the Rugby Championship table. His presence is expected to provide a significant boost as he replaces Boan Venter in a match that holds immense stakes.
The Springboks can secure the championship with a bonus-point win over Argentina, regardless of the outcome in the other match between Australia and New Zealand. While Australia has a slim chance of contention, Argentina is already out of the race. If New Zealand manages a bonus-point win and South Africa collects four points, the title will boil down to points difference. Currently, the Springboks lead with a differential of +55 against New Zealand’s -6.
Head Coach Rassie Erasmus is preparing for a heated encounter, especially after last week’s match saw tensions run high. “They may be out of the title race, but they have beaten the All Blacks, Wallabies, and British and Irish Lions this season,” Erasmus stated. “It would be a big target for them to defeat us as well, so it’s going to be another hard grind.”
Nche will join forces with Thomas du Toit and hooker Malcolm Marx in the front row. The Springboks maintain a 5-3 split between forwards and backs on the bench, adding experienced players such as Grant Williams, Bongi Mbonambi, and Jesse Kriel, who collectively bring 186 caps to the squad.
The starting line-up for South Africa against Argentina is as follows:
– 15 – Damian Willemse
– 14 – Cheslin Kolbe
– 13 – Canan Moodie
– 12 – Damian de Allende
– 11 – Ethan Hooker
– 10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
– 9 – Cobus Reinach
– 8 – Jasper Wiese
– 7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit
– 6 – Siya Kolisi (captain)
– 5 – Ruan Nortje
– 4 – Eben Etzebeth
– 3 – Thomas du Toit
– 2 – Malcolm Marx
– 1 – Ox Nche
Replacements include:
– 16 – Bongi Mbonambi
– 17 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels
– 18 – Wilco Louw
– 19 – RG Snyman
– 20 – Kwagga Smith
– 21 – Grant Williams
– 22 – Manie Libbok
– 23 – Jesse Kriel
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Springboks will perform under pressure. Keep an eye on this high-stakes showdown, where every point counts and the championship hangs in the balance.
