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Springboks recall De Jager after Mostert withdraws / Photo: Phill Magakoe - AFP
Springboks recall De Jager after Mostert withdraws
Rugby World Cup winner Lood de Jager has been recalled to the South Africa squad in place of Franco Mostert for a key Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Twickenham in London on Saturday.
The Springboks are one point ahead of New Zealand going into the final round and a second bonus-point victory over the Pumas in eight days will seal back-to-back titles.
South Africa have 15 points, New Zealand 14, Australia 11 and Argentina nine after five rounds of the competition.
The Springboks trounced the Pumas 67-30 in the penultimate round last Saturday with fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scoring a Springbok record 37 points, including three tries.
Lock De Jager, who missed the victory in Durban due to injury, was added to the squad after utility forward Mostert withdrew due to a family bereavement, a SA Rugby statement said.
"Lood has recovered from his injury, and his experience and leadership will be valuable in such an important week for the team," said head coach Rassie Erasmus.
"This is a massive game, and we have no doubt Argentina will come out guns blazing to finish their campaign on a high note.
"At the same time, we have a chance to win the competition back-to-back for the first time in history, so we have all the motivation we need this week."
The South Africans arrived in the English capital on Monday and Erasmus will announce his matchday 23 on Tuesday.
Argentina, who were eliminated from the title race after the loss in Durban, chose to play in England rather than South America for commercial reasons.
S.Morin--SMC
