Overview

• South Africa made two changes to the starting XV: Damian de Allende returns at inside centre with Damian Willemse shifting to fullback for the injured Aphelele Fassi, and Eben Etzebeth replaces the sidelined Lood de Jager at lock.
• Bench adjustments include Boan Venter at loosehead, Jan-Hendrik Wessels covering hooker, and Morne van den Berg in for the niggled Grant Williams, retaining a 5–3 split that can function as 6–2 through hybrid Andre Esterhuizen.
• The match is billed as must-win for both teams given the standings—Australia 11 points, South Africa and New Zealand 10, Argentina 9—placing a premium on bonus points and points difference.
• Springbok coaches and players cautioned that Argentina are a genuine threat after defeats of New Zealand and Australia, highlighting the need for accuracy in the set-piece, aerial contest and 80-minute execution.
• Kickoff is 17:10 local at Kings Park in Durban, the Boks’ final home game before Twickenham, with Siya Kolisi set for his 97th test as captain.