2019 Rugby World Cup winner answers Springboks SOS as Rassie Erasmus forced into late change ahead of Argentina rematch
Springboks lock Lood de Jager and utility forward Franco Mostert (inset).
The Springboks have been forced to make a late change to their squad as experienced second-row Lood de Jager has been recalled ahead of their Test with Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup winner comes into the head coach Rassie Erasmus’ squad as a replacement for utility forward Franco Mostert, who remained behind in South Africa on Sunday due to a family bereavement.
De Jager was last in action during the Springboks‘ record 43-10 triumph over the All Blacks in Wellington earlier this month, but was forced off the field during the early stages of that Test due to injury.
Fully fit again and available for selection
However, he has made a full recovery and is available for selection for Saturday’s rematch with Los Pumas after the Boks clinched an emphatic 67-30 victory in the corresponding fixture in Durban this past weekend.
Erasmus is confident De Jager will be able to fill the void left by Mostert.
“We all feel deeply for Franco and wish him strength during this challenging time, and we’ll support him as well as we can,” he said.
“Fortunately, Lood has recovered from his injury, and his experience and leadership will be valuable in such an important week for the team.”
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The world champions departed for the UK on Sunday night and arrived early on Monday morning, full of enthusiasm and excitement about the prospect of defending their Rugby Championship title.
Springboks on top of Rugby Championship table
The Boks currently hold a one-point lead at the top of the standings over the second-placed All Blacks, who have amassed 14 points, while the Wallabies are in third place with three adrift of their trans-Tasman rivals, while Argentina are propping up the table on nine points.
South Africa will have a recovery day on Monday before returning to training on Tuesday to begin their preparations for Saturday’s eagerly anticipated encounter with Felipe Contepomi’s troops.
“The journey to London was good, and with it being an overnight flight, the players rested well on the plane and look fresh and ready to get back into the swing of things tomorrow,” said Erasmus.
“Fortunately, the time zone is similar to South Africa, so the players can jump straight back into action without any challenges.
“We’ll obviously manage them carefully this week to ensure we get the best out of them on the field on Saturday.”
Erasmus added: “This is a massive game, and we have no doubt Argentina will come out guns blazing to finish their campaign on a high note, but at the same time, we have a chance to win the competition back-to-back for the first time in history, so we have all the motivation we need this week.”
The Springboks will announce their matchday squad for Saturday’s Test on Tuesday.
