Springboks ring the changes for Rugby Championship clash against Argentina

The team features no less than 10 changes from the one that defeated the All Blacks in Cape Town a week ago but remains packed with talent and experience.

Lukhanyo Am and Malcolm Marx move from the bench to take up starting positions, while Eben Etzebeth - who will equal Victor Matfield's Springbok record of 127 Test appearances if he takes the field - joins the Bomb Squad of Vincent Koch, Gerhard Steenekamp, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jaden Hendrikse and Manie Libbok in a bench once again featuring a six-two split.

Returning to the starting line-up after previously appearing in the competition are Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi, Cobus Reinach, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Thomas du Toit and Salmaan Moerat, who will once again captain the side.

The five players retaining their starting places from the team that defeated New Zealand in Cape Town 18-12 ten days ago are Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel.

"It would be amazing to wrap up the Rugby Championship title this weekend, but it won't be easy, and we have a bigger picture in mind as well, which is to build squad depth with an eye on the 2027 World Cup," said Erasmus.

"The only way we can do that is to expose the younger players to tough opposition under difficult circumstances, and so far, all of them have risen to that challenge.

"We're excited about this squad and to see what the younger players can do in pretty tough playing conditions with such a passionate support base in Argentina and also at a new stadium.

"The fact that Los Pumas are still in the running for the title for the first time ever will drive their team and supporters even more. We have no doubt we will be tested to the limit both as a team and the players as individuals, and we are excited to see how they deal the pressures that comes with playing here."

Erasmus opted to rest seven players for the trip: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Frans Malherbe and Bongi Mbonambi.

The Bok coach said it was important to not deviate from his policy of giving his wider squad game time as they continue to balance playing time and expose the younger players to top-quality opposition as they build toward the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"This group features players who have played either against New Zealand, Australia or both, so they have come up against tough opposition in the last few weeks, and this weekend will be equally demanding both physically and mentally, and it excites us as a group," said Erasmus.

"Many of these combinations have played together this season and they all know how tough Argentina can make things for you on the day if you do not pitch up sharp and battle-ready.

"It's also good to have this mix of youth and experience, while at the same time having a squad that boasts the physicality and X-factor that we need against the Pumas, and we are excited to see what the likes of Jan-Hendrik, Manie, Aphelele and Ben-Jason, among others will bring to this match."

Erasmus expected an epic battle against Argentina and emphasised the importance of effective execution, keeping calm under pressure and playing for the full 80 minutes.

"Argentina are a force to be reckoned with at home and they'll be even more charged up for this match knowing that a bonus-point victory or victory could keep them in the race for their first-ever title, so we know they will not give us an inch," said Erasmus.

"They are a quality team with strong forwards and talented backs, and they like to keep the ball alive, so we need to be accurate in every aspect of our game and deny them from stamping their authority, but rather enforcing our style of play on them.

"Our players understand the importance of this match in every respect, and one could see from our training sessions in Stellenbosch last week and since yesterday that they are switched on and ready to give their all, as this match is equally important for both teams.

"We have no doubt it's going to be epic and could come down to the wire, but we live for these moments as a team and hopefully we can deliver on what we set out to do and get the desired result."

Springbok - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Manie Libbok.

READ MORE: Kwagga Smith warns Springboks: Argentina's form demands respect and teamwork