Bok wounded set to return to the front lines
If the second Test against Scotland was indeed the last chance several Springboks had to impress the national coach, there could be sweeping changes for the next international against Argentina.
The miscreants from the first Test got a crack at the other half of the cherry at Ellis Park, but after another unconvincing performance, coach Rudolf Straeuli may have to turn to the heavyweights who are due to complete their rehabilitation in the next fortnight.
Although the coach suggested that there may not be wholesale changes, he may need to call on the experience of Corne Krige, loose forward Bob Skinstad and flyhalf Andre Pretorius for the match against the resurgent Pumas.
Straeuli admitted that there was no pressure on him to rush players back for the series against Scotland, but Argentina may prove a different proposition.
The South Americans edged out France for the second year running with their 10-6 victory in Buenos Aires two days ago and the Springboks clearly cannot afford to take them lightly.
There are strong indications, however, that World Cup captain Krige will lead the team for the Port Elizabeth clash. Joost van der Westhuizen, who captained the team against Scotland, is set to be rested for the game against the Pumas as Straeuli explores other options at scrumhalf.
Craig Davidson is next in line for a starting berth, while Neil de Kock, who captained Western Province against the Lions in the main curtain-raiser at Ellis Park, is a possible substitute.
Despite Louis Koen's impressive goal-kicking against Scotland, Pretorius is also set to return after injury.
It is in the back row, however, where the Springboks may have to do some serious rearranging. With Krige and Skinstad fit again, Hendrik Gerber and Wikus van Heerden may find themselves sidelined.
Krige will resume the fetcher's role ahead of Gerber, while Pedrie Wannenburg is likely to replace Van Heerden, which will accommodate Skinstad at the back of the scrum.
Joe van Niekerk's injury, however, will keep him out for another fortnight and he will only be considered for South Africa A's match against Namibia at the end of the month.
"The injury is coming along very well," Van Niekerk enthused yesterday. "I actually saw a specialist last Thursday. He told me that I could play by the end of next week.
"I spoke to Rudolf a while back and he indicated that I could be used in South Africa A's match against Namibia at the end of the month."
Straeuli will use the Port Elizabeth Test as well as the South African A team's matches against their Argentinian counterparts and Namibia as a yardstick to measure fitness and form.
"There will be a series of games where the guys can solidify their positions in the team or play themselves into the squad," he said.
"It is very important for certain players. They will get two opportunities to show what they've got. I may decide to change the A team after the first game."
Even last Saturday's friendly between the Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park will come under the coach's calculations.