Meyer backs backline rookies

Heyneke Meyer says it's only fair to give Handré Pollard and Damian de Allende another starting opportunity against Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

Twenty-year-old Pollard struggled in the wet conditions at Loftus last Saturday and was replaced with Morné Steyn after just 45 minutes, while De Allende had little chance to show what he can do with ball in hand on his Test debut.

'Both Handré and Damian are brilliant attacking players, but I never got a good chance to see them in action last weekend,' said Meyer. 'The conditions really didn't help them or me. These youngsters are going to make mistakes, but that's the only way you learn. I really want to see what they can do with ball in hand, I want them to express themselves, so hopefully I'll get the chance in dry conditions in Salta.'

Meyer is also looking forward to seeing Juan Smith play his first Test since November 2010 when the 33-year-old starts in the No 7 jersey.

'He was robbed of playing during the best years of his career, he had so many [Achilles] operations and then he got a six-month trial at Toulon,' said the coach. 'He's now gone on to win the European Cup and Top 14 trophies … I'm so happy for him and I can't wait to see him go.'

Springbok team to play Argentina

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images

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