Duane Vermeulen Leads Revamped Springboks Team Against Argentina in Rugby Championship Showdown

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South African rugby coach Jacques Nienaber has made significant changes to the Springboks team in preparation for their Rugby Championship match against Argentina. The game will be held at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on Saturday and will see veteran No. 8 Duane Vermeulen leading the squad.

New-Look Squad Aims for Victory

The upcoming match against Argentina carries a lot of weight as it could determine the outcome of the entire competition. The pressure is on for the Springboks to perform well, which has led Nienaber to make nine changes to the team’s starting lineup.

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Fresh Talent Takes the Field

Nienaber has introduced fresh talent to the team’s halfback pairing, with Manie Libbok and Grant Williams set to play. Williams is making his first-ever start for the national team. Nienaber has also made changes to the loose forwards, bringing back the opening match trio of Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Marco van Staden.

Strategic Changes to the Pack of Forwards

The pack of forwards has also undergone changes, with Malcolm Marx replacing Bongi Mbonambi as hooker and Marvin Orie taking Lood de Jager’s place as lock. These strategic changes are expected to improve the team’s strength and resilience in the face of strong opposition.

Backline Changes

In addition to the changes mentioned above, Kurt-Lee Arendse will start on the wing instead of Makazole Mapimpi, and Jesse Kriel will make his season debut in the midfield alongside vice-captain Damian de Allende.

Bench Strength

Nienaber has opted for a five-three split on the bench, favoring forwards. This brings additional depth to the squad, with prop Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, and Kwagga Smith set to make a powerful impact. The three backs on the bench include Faf de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am, and Damian Willemse.

Adaptable and Growth-Focused Approach

The changes made by Nienaber showcase a strategic blend of experienced players and fresh talent, highlighting his commitment to adaptability and growth within the team. This approach is expected to improve the team’s performance as they prepare to face Argentina in a crucial Rugby Championship match.

Springboks Starting Lineup and Substitutes

The Springboks’ starting lineup for the upcoming match against Argentina is as follows:

  • 15 Willie le Roux
  • 14 Cheslin Kolbe
  • 13 Jesse Kriel
  • 12 Damian de Allende
  • 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
  • 10 Manie Libbok
  • 9 Grant Williams
  • 8 Duane Vermeulen (c)
  • 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
  • 6 Marco van Staden
  • 5 Marvin Orie
  • 4 Eben Etzebeth
  • 3 Frans Malherbe
  • 2 Malcolm Marx
  • 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes:

  • 16 Bongi Mbonambi
  • 17 Trevor Nyakane
  • 18 Vincent Koch
  • 19 RG Snyman
  • 20 Kwagga Smith
  • 21 Faf de Klerk
  • 22 Lukhanyo Am
  • 23 Damian Willemse

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Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.

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