Springboks forwards coach Deon David stated that the team wants players returning from injuries to give their maximum effort in the game against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday evening.
The Springboks squad wants their returning stars to 'play with all their might for as long as possible' during their comeback against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Captain Siya Kolisi, lock Eben Etzebeth, and Luke de Jager, flanker South Africa's Sacha Feinberg-Musengomozulu, halfback Handre Pollard, and scrum-half Morné van der Merwe are expected to return in the final test match before the clash with the All Blacks.
According to assistant coach Deon David, the primary objective is to restore these athletes' match fitness ahead of the upcoming match in the 'Great Rugby Rivalry' against New Zealand. Nevertheless, the Springboks are fully focused on the Los Pumas team and aim to secure another victory.
They anticipate a tough confrontation with the weaker Los Pumas side and understand that collective effort will be required for a win. David noted that the players have worked hard on their recovery from injuries, and the coaching staff simply wanted to see them gain valuable game experience before the intense series of matches.
'Obviously, we take into account when the players last played, and that will determine the intensity,' said David. He added that they have specific player management plans for the next few matches, as match fitness is a serious concern. Therefore, it is important for them to get on the field, prove themselves, and play at full capacity for as long as possible.
David emphasized that the team operates as a single unit, and all 23 players consider themselves vital to achieving a good result, so they are not concerned about overexertion on the returning stars. He expressed confidence in the players' readiness, noting that they have worked hard over the past couple of weeks to get back on the field, and they are looking forward to this moment.
The coach also mentioned that their immediate focus remains on Argentina. Although the All Blacks will conduct their 'Great Rugby Rivalry' campaign against the Stormers on Friday, the Boks intend to succeed in South America before shifting focus to their arch-rivals and the challenges awaiting them at home.
There is an ambition within the Boks camp to maintain their undefeated start to 2026 while bringing the returning players up to the necessary level for the upcoming six-week period. They have set specific goals, and the world champions do not view this match as a warm-up for the New Zealanders.
'This is a very important match for us given the upcoming difficulties. It gives us an opportunity to improve our own game and also ensures that our players are ready for the rest of the year. We also want to set certain standards as a team,' stated David. He added that Argentina presents a different challenge because it is a passionate and particularly audacious team when playing in Buenos Aires. He concluded that one always has to fight until the end when they visit there, and considers it a mistake to arrive thinking it is just the beginning.
