Argentina

Siya Kolisi (captain), Ox Nche, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane of South Africa sing national anthem before the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour first test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 24 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Nienaber: ‘No-nonsense’ Bongi demands respect

Jacques Nienaber says Bongi Mbonambi’s ability to communicate with the referee is a big reason why the veteran hooker has been appointed Springbok captain against Argentina.

Bongi Mbonambi and Joseph Dweba during the 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship Springbok training session at Loftus Stadium Field B in Pretoria on 20 June 2023

Boks missing the hook

The Springboks are gambling with their World Cup title defence prospects by going all-in on Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx and not fully investing in support at hooker.

Bongi leads Boks in Buenos Aires

Bongi Mbonambi will captain the Springboks for the first time, while Deon Fourie will get a first start in a heavily-rotated side to face Argentina in a World Cup warm-up on Saturday.

Argentina's wing Mateo Carreras (L) tackles South Africa's centre Lukhanyo Am during the Rugby Championship final-round match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023.

Mallett: Pumas have claws out for Boks

Nick Mallett has predicted a “very, very tough” game for the Springboks in Buenos Aires after the escape act against Los Pumas at Ellis Park.

No picnic for Boks in Buenos Aires

Assistant coach Deon Davids has warned the Springboks to expect a tougher test from a fired-up Argentina outfit in front of their passionate home crowd on Saturday.

South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth runs to score a try during the Rugby Championship final-round match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023.

Eben stands tall for Bok scrappers

Eben Etzebeth led the charge and was voted MVP after the Springboks survived a scrappy Rugby Championship finale Test against Argentina at Ellis Park.

South Africa's Piter Steph du Toit tackles Argentina's Juan Cruz Mallia during the South Africa vs Argentina rugby union match Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on September 24, 2022.

Argentina fullback cited for Williams hit

Argentina could be without Juan Cruz Mallia for the World Cup warm-up against the Springboks on Saturday after it was confirmed that the fullback has been cited for his hit on Grant Williams.

South Africa's scrumhalf Grant Williams (C) is evacuated by medical personnel on a stretcher placed on a vehicle after being injured during the Rugby Championship final-round match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023.

Williams ready to face Wales?

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams will be out of action “for at least two weeks” after suffering a concussion in the opening minute of the 2023 Rugby Championship win over Argentina on Saturday.