Watch VideoSpringbok lock conundrum: Who should face the All Blacks at Ellis Park?

Eben Etzebeth, right, and Lood de Jager remain key figures in the Springbok lock conversation ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. Photo: Backpagepix The Springbokscompleted the first leg of theNations Championshipunbeaten, collecting a maximum of 15 points from the three Tests they played against England, Scotland and Wales. They lead New Zealand on points difference in the Southern Hemisphere standings.

The Boks now turn their attention to Argentina, whom they face next weekend in Buenos Aires. It will be their final preparation before the start ofRugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR)against the All Blacks. In the coming days,Independent Mediawill break down the Boks’ recent exploits with a view to who should start the first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August.

So far, we have looked at the backline — theback-three,centresandhalf-backs— and theloose-forwards. Ben-Jason Dixon|10 Tests | Played against England, Scotland, Wales |Player rating:6.5 out of 10 during Nations Championship The continued absence of Eben Etzebeth is a major concern, and whether we see him in action during RGR remains to be seen. His current fitness, regarding concussion concerns, remains nebulous at best, and the Bok setup is giving him as much time to recuperate as possible.