With a return fixture to come next week, Erasmus has rested a couple of key figures, with Siya Kolisi in the coaches’ box rather than on the pitch as he manages a facial injury. Argentina may therefore spy an opportunity to cause a shock — the hosts are full of confidence after producing a record win against Australia a fortnight ago.

Argentine players celebrate after winning the rugby union Championship match between Argentina's Pumas and South Africa's Springboks.

Argentina kept their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive when they edged world champions South Africa 29-28 on Saturday to temporarily deny the Springboks their first title since 2019.

Siya Kolisi has returned to South Africa after just a single season at Racing 92 after the Springboks skipper’s contract with the Paris club was cut short. Kolisi moved to the Top 14 on a lucrative three-year deal last summer, but struggled for form and fitness after joining up with Stuart Lancaster’s side.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the Springboks during the South Africa national men’s rugby official team photograph at Southern Sun The Cullinan on September 06, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo

South Africa prepares to face Argentina in crucial Rugby Championship matches over the next eight days. Captained by Salmaan Moerat, the Springboks aim to secure their fifth southern hemisphere title with a strong performance on the road and at home.

Argentina has kept its hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive by edging world champion South Africa 29-28 to temporarily deny the Springboks their first title since 2019.

A blistering first half saw no fewer than seven tries as Los Pumas fought back from an early South African onslaught. The Springboks flew out of the traps with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel helping them to a 14-point lead before Handre Pollard added three more from a penalty kick.

Influential Argentina loose forward Marco Kremer will miss the crucial Rugby Championship match against South Africa due to a knee injury. His absence is a significant blow as Argentina needs a bonus point victory to claim the championship.

A late penalty could have won them the game, but South Africa can still win the title if they get one point from the return match next week.