Dweba to make Springbok debut against Argentina

The Boks take on Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

The inclusion of Dweba at hooker was one of 12 changes to the matchday squad that won the third and final Test against the British & Irish Lions in Cape Town last Saturday.

Coach Jacques Nienaber made 10 changes to the starting team, which features a fresh backline and front row, and two changes on the replacements bench.

The only players who retained their places in the starting team from the final Test against the British & Irish Lions last weekend are captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Japer Wiese and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach

The changes to the pack of forwards see fit-again Ox Nché and Wilco Louw join forces with Dweba in the front row, while Kwagga Smith replaces Franco Mostert at blindside flank in a loose trio with Kolisi and Wiese.

Elton Jantjies starts at flyhalf, while Frans Steyn and Jesse Kriel will join forces in the midfield.

The other changes in the backline sees Damian Willemse replace Willie le Roux at fullback, while Sbu Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi will start at wing in place of Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi respectively.

“It is a long season, so it’s important that we manage the players well and rotate our squad to ensure that everyone gets sufficient game time and rest,” said Nienaber.

“We have a talented squad, and we are excited to see some of the players get a chance to show what they can do against a tough Argentinean outfit.

“Most of the players in this matchday squad have been with us since our conditioning camp in Bloemfontein in June, and they’ve been working hard at training and deserve this opportunity to take the field.

“This is a big game for us, and we are looking forward to seeing what these player combinations will deliver as we begin our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign.”