Bongi's back! Mbonambi joins Boks in Argentina

The Springboks received a welcome boost on Monday as hooker Bongi Mbonambi joined up with the squad in Buenos Aires.

Jacques Nienaber's charges are in the Argentinian capital, where they are preparing for their Rugby Championship clash against the Pumas on Saturday.

Mbonambi was sidelined before the second Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg last month but has completed the initial stages of his recovery.

While Mbonambi won't feature against Argentina this week, Nienaber says he could be in contention against the same opposition in South Africa's final Rugby Championship clash the following week.

"It's great to have Bongi back in the set-up and this week will be a fantastic opportunity to re-integrate him into our systems and for our medical team to assess his recovery," said Nienaber.

"He is a key player in our structures, and he also has a strong presence off the field, so it is pleasing to welcome him back.

"Bongi was expected to begin training this week, so it made sense to recall him to the squad so that our medical team can work closely with him to ensure that we can get him back on the field as soon as possible."

Nienaber will announce his team to face Argentina this weekend on Tuesday.