DURBAN – Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named Warren Whiteley, Francois Louw, Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx in Saturday's Test side to play Argentina in Durban. The quartet will make their first appearances for the Boks this season.
Erasmus has opted to play captain Siya Kolisi at blindside flank and Louw at No 6. Whiteley will scrum at No 8. The uncapped Marco van Staden will provide loose forward cover on the bench. Erasmus said he was pleased with the return to Springbok action of Whiteley, Louw, Etzebeth and Marx.
“Our forward depth is very good indeed and the competition for places in the team is healthy, which can only be a good thing for us as we continue to build the depth of our squad,” said Erasmus.
SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby added that he is expecting a very tough contest from the Pumas and reiterated the visitors will be energised by the appointment of Mario Ledesma as their new coach, as well as the recent impressive performances of the Jaguares in Vodacom Super Rugby.
“Their new coach comes with a lot of technical knowledge and experience from his previous coaching roles which is sure to add more firepower to their traditional strengths,” said Erasmus.
“They will be very confident as a result of the Jaguares’ great run on tour in Australasia, where they won all four their matches on the road, as well as their winning performances against our own franchises.”
Springbok team: Willie le Roux; Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphiwe Dyantyi; Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley, Siya Kolisi (capt), Francois Louw; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Marvin Orie, Marco van Staden, Embrose Papier, Lionel Mapoe, Damian Willemse
Four big guys return to the Bok pack this weekend to face @lospumas- they are @EbenEtzebeth @M_marxi2 @FloLouw @WarrenWhiteley. Andre Esterhuizen and @Makazole16 will be starting in the backline. Check out the team for Saturday here. @CastleLagerSA @MTNza @SanzarTRC #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/UdeSBXnwDm
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) August 16, 2018