Kolisi returns as Springboks name strong team for Argentina Test

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will make his long-awaited return to the starting lineup after being named by head coach Rassie Erasmus in a formidable South African team to face Argentina in their Rugby Championship Test at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Kolisi’s inclusion headlines the return of several experienced World Cup-winning stars as Erasmus fields one of his strongest combinations ahead of the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand later this month.

The inspirational captain has recovered from injury and will once again lead the Springboks, with Erasmus expressing confidence that Kolisi is ready to return to international rugby after missing the opening Tests of the season.

Also returning to the starting XV are veteran lock Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, giving the world champions a significant boost in experience and quality.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu will wear the No.10 jersey after recovering from injury, partnering Cobus Reinach at halfback, while Handré Pollard provides experienced cover from the bench. Erasmus believes the match offers another opportunity to assess his key playmakers ahead of tougher assignments later in the season.

The clash against Los Pumas is expected to provide a stern examination for the Springboks, who are eager to build momentum before hosting the All Blacks in a four-Test series beginning later this month.

Erasmus has indicated that the Buenos Aires encounter is an important opportunity to restore match fitness to several senior players while maintaining the high standards that have seen the Springboks enjoy a successful 2026 campaign.

South Africa will also be aiming to continue its dominance over Argentina and fine-tune combinations in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Test kicks off on Saturday in Buenos Aires, with rugby fans expecting another fierce battle between the reigning world champions and a determined Argentine side eager to cause an upset on home soil.