Today’s match against Argentina will be the last on home soil for Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Duane Vermeulen, while a number of players in the squad will hope to wow with their performances and make the trip to France.

The 50-year-old Nienaber will be joining Irish giants Leinster after the World Cup, bringing an end – for now at least – to his successful chapter with the Springboks.

“I told the players, it is personal for me to coach them and to work with them. It is lekker to work for them. They make me happy. It is going to be somewhat emotional, but it is not to say that it will be the last time. You never know what might happen in the future,” the coach said earlier this week.

The Rugby Championship finale at Emirates Airline Park could be the final home game for a few Springbok veterans, one of which could be Vermeulen.

After playing off the bench in the loss to the All Blacks in Auckland, Vermeulen will once again lead the Boks, in the final home match of the year against Los Pumas.

The match that kicks off at 17:05 is an opportunity for players of the squad to put up their hand and make sure they make the cut for the world cup.

Nienaber will name the squad to travel to France on August 8, with just two matches left against Los Pumas before the announcement.

Here’s a look at five players who could boost their chances of being on the plane with strong performances today.

Kurt-Lee Arendse

Arendse has returned to the No 11 jersey, fresh from a hat-trick against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld.

The Vodacom Bulls speedster comes into the match on a hot streak, scoring 10 tries in his eight Test appearances to date.

With Makazole Mapimpi enduring an indifferent performance against the All Blacks in Auckland, a massive opportunity awaits for Arendse to steal a march as the starting left wing.

Jesse Kriel

Despite being part of the group that travelled earlier to Auckland, Kriel was overlooked for the match at the Mount Smart Stadium, with the Boks instead choosing to allow Lukhanyo Am to get more game time.

Kriel will make his first Test appearance of the year at Ellis Park, with Am part of a five-three split between replacement forwards and backs.

The 29-year-old’s experience – sitting on 59 caps – and versatility make him a big asset for the Springboks, and he will be keen to provide a timely reminder of his capability in midfield.

🗣️ “Whether I’m starting, on the bench or holding a bag, I want the Springboks to win and to win the World Cup again!”

Jesse Kriel on maturing as a player and understanding his role in helping his teammates, regardless what position he is in. pic.twitter.com/0HEGg945eT

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 22, 2023

Grant Williams

The dynamic Sharks scrumhalf will make his first Test start, having made all three of his appearances for the Springboks from the bench.

Williams has had to bide his time for an opportunity, as he made his debut in 2021 and was not utilised in 2022, despite being part of the larger squad.

However, his timely injection of energy as a substitute has kicked the door down, but there will be a different test of his game management abilities when he starts against Los Pumas.

Marco van Staden

Van Staden was something of a surprise pick as the starting opensider in the 2023 opener against the Wallabies, but on his stomping ground, the Vodacom Bulls flanker produced arguably his best performance in the green and gold.

The 27-year-old didn’t have his best season for the Vodacom Bulls, but showed why the Boks are keen on him as a potential stand-in for the currently recovering Siya Kolisi.

🔌 A menace around the park.

Marco van Staden was unstoppable against the Wallabies last weekend#StrongerTogether #TRC2023 #Springboks pic.twitter.com/rCvKtS6Htb

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 13, 2023

Marvin Orie

The France-bound second rower is back where it all happened for him when he cemented a reputation as an efficient lineout general and workhorse at the Lions.

Much like Van Staden, Orie enjoyed a good performance against the Wallabies, even showing a few delightful touches as a first receiver.

With RG Snyman fit again and Jean Kleyn more than adding to the numbers, competition is rife for a place among the Bok locks on the plane to France, so Orie will need to make the most of today’s start, alongside Eben Etzebeth.