Jacques Nienaber still has full confidence in Jaden Hendrikse

With the lively No.9 missing out on game time in recent weeks due to a family tragedy, pundits believed may get a run in Bueno Aires this weekend.

However, Hendrikse was not part of the travelling squad, with Nienaber opting to start Cobus Reinach while Herschel Jantjies is on the bench.

Nonetheless, Nienaber insists Hendrikse - who featured in the Bok's memorable 26-10 Rugby Championship win over the All Blacks last year - remains a key part of the Springboks' framework.

"He was a No.9 - with very little Test experience [four previous caps] - that could help drive the pack forward," said Nienabler of that Test, where he played 79 minutes after replacing a concussed Faf de Klerk.

"We know what is in Jaden. There is nothing you can read into that," he said of Hendrikse's lack of game time.

"We wanted to give Cobus another go this weekend and we also wanted to give Herschel a go. The first opportunity for Hersh is in this game. Jaden would have had his opportunities earlier [in the season].

"Due to very tragic circumstances, out of our control, he didn't get his chance. Don't read anything into it.

"We know him. We know what he can do. We see him at training. We know what he did for us last year."

Hendrikse last featured for the Springboks against Ireland and England in the 2022 End of Year Tour.

READ MORE: Bongi Mbonambi to lead much-changed Springboks in Buenos Aires