Watch VideoFive Springboks with most to gain as Rassie Erasmus prepares for Argentina and All Blacks

Springbok flanker Paul de Villiers put in a shift during the Nations Championship. The Stormers loose-forward announced himself on the Test stage with a series of standout performances in the absence of Siya Kolisi. Photo: Backpagepix The race for places in the Springboks’ squad forRugby Greatest Rivalry against New Zealandhas entered a decisive phase this week, as Rassie Erasmus assembled a 43-man squad in Johannesburg to begin preparations fornext month’s Test against Argentina.

While the Bok coach welcomed back 10 experienced campaigners from injury, he also confirmed plans to split the squad over the next fortnight, ensuring every player has an opportunity to stake a claim before attention shifts to theblockbuster clashes against the All Blacks. While the Bok coach welcomed back 10 experienced campaigners from injury, he also confirmed plans to split the squad over the next fortnight, ensuring every player has an opportunity to stake a claim before attention shifts to theblockbuster clashes against the All Blacks With Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handré Pollard and André Esterhuizen all back in contention, competition for places has never been fiercer. Here are five players with the most to gain over the coming fortnight.

Few players have enhanced their reputation more during the July internationals than De Villiers. The Stormers flanker has looked every bit a Test player with his relentless work rate, breakdown excellence and defensive intensity. Kolisi’s return means the No 6 jersey is no longer vacant, while Marco van Staden adds further competition.

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If De Villiers can maintain his form against Argentina, Erasmus may have little choice but to find room for him elsewhere in the matchday 23. Wiese has been one of the biggest success stories of the July window. Whether packing down at lock or operating as a utility forward, he has brought the physicality, lineout presence and relentless work rate Erasmus demands.

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