By 
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has sent a firm message from the team’s Johannesburg camp: absolute focus remains on Buenos Aires, even with a historic series against New Zealand looming on the horizon.
Addressing the media following two intense days of training, Erasmus made it clear that while the upcoming four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series against the All Blacks commands massive attention, the immediate target is next weekend’s standalone clash against Argentina.
“First and foremost, we want to beat Argentina – just like every other team, we want to win every Test match we play,” Erasmus emphasized. “Then there’s the bigger picture, the Rugby World Cup, which is close to a year away, but you also have to respect the team you play next week.”
The Boks’ preparation strategy sees the squad taking a recovery day before wrapping up field sessions on Thursday. The official touring squad to South America will be named on Saturday and split into two traveling groups. Meanwhile, players remaining behind in Johannesburg will kickstart dedicated preparations for the All Blacks series.
Injury Returns Offer Perfect Testing Ground
The fixture against Los Pumas presents a crucial opportunity for several key figures returning from injury lay-offs. Erasmus confirmed a remarkably clean bill of health across the group, with only loose head prop Ox Nche and lock Franco Mostert ruled out with long-term injuries.
The return of high-profile stars like Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen, Wilco Louw, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gives the coaching staff a perfect chance to gauge match readiness.
“Argentina are a quality team, and you’ll quickly see who is ready to play against New Zealand two weeks later,” Erasmus noted. “That said, this match wasn’t planned with that reason in mind – it was always about honouring our relationship with Argentina, but yes, most of those guys will be involved.”
Squad Balancing and Franchise Releases
Managing player workload and squad depth remains a priority for the Bok management. Erasmus indicated that players not selected for the Argentina tour or those needing match fitness could be released to their domestic franchises during the All Black series, provided key positions remain covered.
“Taking players on tour without being able to give him a game for his franchise against the All Blacks would not be the right thing, but we also don’t want to release players if we’re not 100% sure we’re covered,” he explained.
Despite the All Blacks recently naming their squad following strong performances in the Nations Championship, Erasmus refused to take his eyes off the immediate prize. The final Springbok squad for the RGR series will only be finalized once the team returns from South America.
For now, the World Champions’ mission is singular: conquer Buenos Aires before turning their attention to rugby’s greatest rivalry.
