The Springboks return to Test action against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, August 8, with both sides entering the highly anticipated clash with plenty to prove.
For South Africa, the biggest boost is the return of captain Siya Kolisi, who is back in the starting line-up after missing the Springboks’ recent matches because of a hamstring injury.
Kolisi’s return is particularly significant for the world champions as they look to continue building momentum and assess their squad ahead of a demanding international season. The flanker last played for the Springboks against England on June 28, when he started at No. 6 and led the team.
His return also restores an important source of experience and leadership to a Springbok side that has been carefully managing the workload of several key players.
Argentina, meanwhile, will have a new man leading the Pumas.
Veteran flank Pablo Matera has been handed the captaincy as Argentina prepare to face the two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions.
The Pumas have also made significant changes to their starting line-up, with Santiago Carreras starting at flyhalf. He replaces Tomás Albornoz, who is serving a four-match suspension after his confrontation with referee Angus Gardner following Argentina’s previous match against England.
Argentina have included four uncapped players in their match-day 23.
Tighthead prop Francisco Moreno will make his debut from the start, while Western Force prop Leonel Oviedo and loose forwards Juan Penoucos and Juan MartÃn Scelzo are among the replacements.
The Pumas are also without several experienced players because of European club commitments, including regular captain and hooker Julián Montoya, No. 8 JoaquÃn Oviedo, scrumhalf Gonzalo GarcÃa, centre Justo Piccardo and winger Bautista Delguy.
A rivalry dominated by the Boks
While Argentina have established themselves as one of the world’s most dangerous rugby nations, history heavily favours South Africa.
The two sides have met 40 times, with the Springboks winning 35, Argentina four and one match ending in a draw.
However, the record does not tell the entire story.
Argentina have shown on several occasions that they can trouble the Springboks, including their famous 29-28 victory over South Africa in Santiago del Estero in 2024.
South Africa responded emphatically a week later, crushing the Pumas 48-7 in Mbombela, before again dominating the rivalry in 2025. The Springboks won 67-30 in Durban and followed that with a narrow 29-27 victory at Twickenham.
The last five meetings therefore give South Africa a 4-1 advantage, with Argentina’s 2024 victory the only defeat suffered by the Boks during that period.
More than just another Test
For the Springboks, Saturday’s encounter is an opportunity to continue their development while welcoming back some of their established stars.
For Kolisi, it is also an important personal comeback after his injury lay-off. His leadership will be closely watched as he returns to international rugby and once again takes responsibility for guiding the Boks on the field.
For Argentina, meanwhile, the match represents a chance to challenge the team that has dominated them for much of their history.
Playing at home gives the Pumas an additional advantage, but they will have to overcome a Springbok side with a formidable record against them.
With Matera taking over the captaincy and several new faces coming into the side, Argentina will be hoping to produce another upset and demonstrate that they are capable of competing with the world’s best even when missing some of their established stars.
For South Africa, the objective will be much simpler: maintain their dominance, make Kolisi’s return a winning one and continue laying the foundations for another successful international campaign.
The stage is set in Buenos Aires, and the Pumas will know that history is against them.
But Argentina have already shown that history can be rewritten.