Veteran Springbok front-row keen to express himself against Los Pumas

Veteran Springbok front-row Trevor Nyakane is relishing the opportunity of taking on Argentina in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg as it will be his first Test appearance for 2023.

Nyakane has been named on the Boks’ replacements bench in what will be the team’s last fixture on home soil for the year and also head coach Jacques Nienaber’s final match in charge of the team in South Africa.

Possible tournament decider

South Africa will be relying on Australia doing them a favour by beating New Zealand in their clash in Melbourne earlier on Saturday as that scenario could mean that the Boks’ encounter against Los Pumas is a tournament decider.

Nyakane is expecting a tough challenge from the South Americans’ forwards but is determined to make the most of his opportunity as the announcement of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup squad draws closer on Tuesday, August 8 and said he wants to express himself against Argentina.

“It’s been a while since I’ve worn the jersey, so I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough challenge and given the competition in this environment, we know as individuals we have to bring our best all the time and use the opportunity.

“It’s going to be a tough game. Argentina are physical in the scrums, mauls and lineouts, so we have to man up. But I’m excited to go out there and express myself.”

The 34-year-old is wary of the threat posed by the visitors’ pack.

“It’s always a big challenge against Argentina,” he added. “They’ve come a long way from being a team that just wants to be physical. They are big on their lineouts and scrums, and if one is not alert, they can put you under pressure.

“No matter how much one dominates, they never go away. They are very forward orientated, and they like to go to dark places where other teams don’t necessarily go.”

Meanwhile, experienced inside centre Damian de Allende is looking forward to playing alongside Jesse Kriel in the midfield.

“I’m happy for Jesse,” he said. “He’s been training well and he’s raring to go. Much like the rest of the team, I’m sure he’s looking forward to the challenge.”

Keen to play with exciting half-back duo

De Allende is also happy to see the exciting half-back duo of Grant Williams and Manie Libbok getting opportunities in the run-on side.

“It’s exciting to play with Manie and Grant,” said De Allende. “They are electric, dynamic and skilful players, and I can’t wait to see how the game will play out with them taking control.”

READ MORE: Springboks v Los Pumas: Five storylines to follow ahead of the Rugby Championship clash