With a return fixture to come next week, Erasmus has rested a couple of key figures, with Siya Kolisi in the coaches’ box rather than on the pitch as he manages a facial injury. Argentina may therefore spy an opportunity to cause a shock — the hosts are full of confidence after producing a record win against Australia a fortnight ago.

When you step back and look at how many players – both veterans and newbies – put up their hands – you realise coach Rassie Erasmus is a lucky man to have such an excess of rugby talent at his disposal. And that’s the truth: it is South African rugby, as a whole, which is the best it has been in history.