World Cup places still up for grabs as Nienaber eyes fitting Bok send-off against Los Pumas

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has retained the same extended group of players ahead of their final Rugby Championship encounter against Argentina in Johannesburg.

The Springboks have assembled in Pretoria after a two-day rest following their 35-20 loss to New Zealand in Auckland last weekend.

"We have a settled squad, and everyone is determined to get back to action and to bounce back following the result against New Zealand," Nienaber said on Wednesday.

"We are bitterly disappointed about the defeat, but we'll take the lessons from that match and implement that as we look forward to our final match in the competition."

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Scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, who was given time off following a family bereavement, joins the side and prop Gerhard Steenekamp remains as injury cover for Ox Nche, who is still recovering from a pectoral muscle injury.

Meanwhile, lock Eben Etzebeth, who captained the Boks against the All Blacks, will join his teammates on Sunday. Etzebeth's father recently died.

Next weekend's match at Ellis Park will be the Boks' final appearance on South African soil in 2023.

Nienaber said they were excited to play their farewell Test in front of an expected sell-out crowd.

"Playing such a vital match in front of our supporters is always special," said Nienaber.

"This match may not only be the decider of the Rugby Championship, but it's also the last match we play at home before the World Cup.

"That passionate support almost serves as an extra player for us, so we'd like to appeal to SA's rugby faithful to come out in their green and gold and make this a memorable send-off for us."

Nienaber said managing players' game time in the run-up to the departure for France remained a