Springboks retain winning formula for Twickenham

TRIED and tested combinations must work for the Springboks on Saturday as they look to seal back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time ever.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Head coach Rassie Erasmus made only one change to the starting XV for the return duel at Twickenham against Argentina, with Ox Nché stepping into his familiar loosehead prop position. The minimal changes, with three more on the replacement bench, show the intent of the Boks as they look to seal the title in style following this past Saturday’s 67-30 victory over Los Pumas.

Nché will add extra firepower in the scrums, and he will be frothing at the mouth to stamp his authority in the set-piece after missing the previous game with a niggle. Erasmus also confirmed a clean bill of health for players like fullback Damian Willemse and wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker, who picked up knocks at Kings Park.

The duo remains the starting wingers in a backline packed with experience and creative ability. If the forwards and backs can complement each other like they did on Saturday, Twickenham will be the stadium where South Africa make history and defend their Rugby Championship title.