Mostert returns as Springboks prepare for physical Pumas

Franco Mostert returns to South Africa’s starting line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with Argentina in Mendoza.

Lock Mostert was rested for the Springboks’ tournament opener against the same opponents at the weekend, sitting out his side’s 34-21 triumph over the Pumas in Durban.

His inclusion in the pack comes at the expense of Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is named on the bench for the return fixture.

“Franco needed rest after Vodacom Super Rugby and the June internationals and we therefore didn’t consider him for Durban. He’s been our first-choice No. 5 lock and that’s why he is starting on Saturday,” director of rugby Rassie Erasmus explained.

RG Snyman and Wilco Louw are also selected among the list of replacements, coming in for Marvin Orie and Thomas du Toit respectively.

“I want us to build more continuity and those combinations now have another opportunity to play together and gain more experience,” added Erasmus, who expects another tough battle against Argentina.

“We’ve always rated them as a very physical team and we felt the game [in Durban] was physical.

“They’re going to step it up and I think they will come hard at our mauling, scrums and the breakdowns.”

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Embrose Papier, Lionel Mapoe, Damian Willemse.

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