Keegan Daniel will make his first Test start for South Africa when he lines up at number eight for their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina on Sunday.

The 27-year-old who captained the Sharks to the Super Rugby final this season has made three substitute appearances for the Springboks since making his Test debut against Ireland in 2010.

Daniel starts in place of the injured Pierre Spies.

While Daniel has experience at the back of the scrum, his regular position is flanker and concerns have been raised that, at 1.88 metres and weighing 94 kilograms, he may be too small for the international game.

South Africa’s starting XV to face Argentina features six changes to the team which drew 14-14 with England in the third test in June.

The side will be captained by center Jean de Villiers and includes experienced players like Brian Habana, Frans and Morne Steyn, Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira.

The Springboks will host Argentina at 3am Sunday.


Story by: Akuila Cama