Sbu Nkosi and Kurt-Lee Arendse called up for crucial Pumas game
Nkosi has recovered from injury while Arendse has served his suspension for a dangerous tackle
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has recalled wingers Sbu Nkosi and Kurt-Lee Arendse to the squad for the crunch final Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Nkosi, who made his debut for the Bulls in their opening United Rugby Championship win over the Lions on Saturday, has recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out of Springbok action in 2022.
Arendse has served his suspension for a dangerous tackle on New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett in the Rugby Championship win at Mbombela Stadium.
Joseph Dweba, Warrick Gelant, Elrigh Louw and Salmaan Moerat have been released from Nienaber’s squad to their clubs to earn valuable game time ahead of the year end tour against Ireland, France, Italy and England.
The Boks have also scheduled midweek matches against Munster and the Bristol Bears on the European tour.
Damian Willemse (flyhalf) sustained concussion in Saturday’s 36-20 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires and will return to his franchise to follow the prescribed return-to-play protocols.
The Springboks are tied with New Zealand on 14 points on the Rugby Championship log.
Depending on the outcome of Saturday’s early game between New Zealand and Australia, the Boks may need a bonus point win or a victory by a convincing margin against Los Pumas as they trail New Zealand by 13 on points difference.
“We have been pretty unlucky at wing in the last few months in terms of injuries, which has forced our hand at giving players such as Kurt-Lee and Canan [Moodie] a chance at international level, and we are pleased with the depth we are now building as we get closer towards the Rugby World Cup next year,” Nienaber said.
“Kurt-Lee had a great debut and played very well against the All Blacks but was unfortunately banned and we are delighted to have him back as he’s a very talented player.
“Sbu has been in our system for several years now and has recovered from injury, so we are excited to welcome him back. He has shown his class in several big matches, and he brings experience, so he will undoubtedly add great value to the squad.
“This also allows us an opportunity to take stock of the depth we have at wing as we are now a year out from the World Cup in France.”
On the players released to their clubs, Nienaber said that since they had an idea of the match 23 they would select for Saturday’s rematch against Argentina, it made sense to grant those players an opportunity to build game time.
“This year alone we have given close to 50 players an opportunity to play, so we have certainly ticked the box of creating squad depth, which is one of our key pillars for the team,” the coach said.
“We are, however, going into our last match of the Rugby Championship and we think it would be more beneficial for these players to return to their clubs and provinces to gain valuable game time.
“We have a long and challenging year end tour ahead, which will involve an expanded squad, and we need the players to be match fit so we can hit the ground running [in Europe].”
Nienaber will announce the match day squad for the final Test against Argentina on Tuesday.