Rugby Championship South Africa v Argentina: Eben Etzebeth to break cap record in title showdown

Lock Eben Etzebeth is set to become South Africa’s most-capped player after being named to play his 128th game on Saturday

The 32-year-old will overtake 2007 World Cup winner Victor Matfield, who retired in 2015.

“If we can win the title and finish the competition off with a victory it would be a massive occasion for the team and Eben as an individual,” said Erasmus.

The Boks coach rested several of his key players for the 29-28 loss last weekend and makes nine changes in total for the rematch against Argentina.

Six double World Cup winners from 2019 and 2023 return to the starting XV, including captain Siya Kolisi and influential backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende.

Despite missing a kick with seconds left to win the Rugby Championship, fly-half Manie Libbok gets a starting spot, with Handre Pollard dropping to the bench.

Kolbe, who could also take goal kicks if needed, said: “We have played in a few finals, but one can never bank on what happened in the past. This is going to be a big game against a determined team.

“Argentina are a phenomenal side and have many players with an X-factor, while many of them come from a sevens rugby background. Some of the guys who played last week gave me advice, so I know what to expect.”

Argentina have made seven changes to their winning starting XV as Gloucester’s Santiago Carreras comes in at full-back and could kick goals after fly-half Tomas Albornoz missed with three attempts last weekend.

Other changes include sevens star Rodrigo Isgro being named on the wing, while flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez is a surprise inclusion ahead of Pablo Matera, who is on the bench despite a try in the last game.

South Africa XV: Fassi, Kolbe, Kriel, De Allende, Arendse; Libbok, Hendrikse; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese.

Replacements: Marx, Steenekamp, Koch, Louw, Smith, Reinach, Pollard, Am.

Argentina XV: Carreras; Isgro, Moroni, Chocobares, Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Sclavi, Rubiolo, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Grondona, Oviedo.

Replacements: Ruiz, Calles, Delgado, Molina, Matera, Bazan Velez, Cinti, Cruz Mallia.