No Pieter-Steph, Sacha as Springboks rest big names for Argentina trip

The Springboks have named their squad that will travel to Argentina for next weekend's Rugby Championship clash in Santiago del Estero, where victory will land them their first title since 2019. 

The Boks have won all four of their matches in the tournament so far - beating the Wallabies and All Blacks twice each - and they now have two more clashes remaining against the Pumas, away and then at home in Nelspruit the following weekend. 

Head coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday confirmed the names of 28 players who will travel, and the big news is that a number of first-choice regulars have been rested, as was expected. 

READ | Rassie remains grounded despite unbeaten run

There is a much-needed break for powerhouse forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, while young flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will also remain in South Africa. 

That should open the door to a Springbok return for Manie Libbok, who is included alongside Handre Pollard. 

Bok captain Siya Kolisi, who put a procedure to reset his fractured nose on hold to play against the All Blacks last Saturday, has also been named in the squad to do duty in South America.

Elsewhere, Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Frans Malherbe (prop), Damian de Allende (centre), Cheslin Kolbe (wing) and Willie le Roux (fullback) have also been rested.

All of them will be placed on a specialised training programme to keep them sharp with an eye on rejoining the group in Mpumalanga upon their return from Argentina.

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls).

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