Bok big guns return for Rugby Championship opener
Eben Etzebeth is just one of a few big names players back in the Springbok lineup for their opening match of the Rugby Championship against Argentina in Durban.
The lock returns to action after more than 8 months out of rugby due to injury. He will pack down in the engine room alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Frans Malherbe also makes a return to the side, starting at tighthead prop. Next to him, the powerful and highly rated hooker Malcolm Marx also returns to the setup.
The loose trio sees Francois Louw pack down at openside flank, bringing in a wealth of experience alongside captain Siya Kolisi. Warren Whiteley, who has captained the Boks, is also back in the starting XV at number 8.
Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard will pull the strings at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively. Outside them, Sharks centres Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am will pair up in the Springbok midfield for the first time together, banking on their domestic chemistry built over two seasons in Durban.
Sharks and Lions wings Makazole Mapimpi and Aphiwe Dyantyi make up the back three alongside the experience Willie le Roux.
The Springbok bench also features a couple of players on debut. Bulls flank Marco van Staden could earn his first Bok cap, while Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse is also in line to play his first Test match.
