Rassie Erasmus releases three Springboks before Argentina finale

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has released Johan Grobbelaar, Ben-Jason Dixon and Canan Moodie back to their clubs ahead of the first round of United Rugby Championship action for South African sides.

All three were recently part of the 28-man Springboks squad that travelled to Argentina, but Dixon was the only one that featured in the 29-28 defeat to the Pumas, starting in the No7 jersey with a brief dalliance at scrumhalf.

Hooker Grobbelaar and utility back Moodie will return to the Bulls, who host Edinburgh on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in round two of the URC.

Dixon's Stormers will face the Ospreys later that day at Dunraven Brewery Field.

The Springboks only need a solitary point from their return clash with the Pumas in Mbombela Stadium to win the Rugby Championship.

“It would have been great for the players to remain with us and attend Saturday’s game in Nelspruit after their contributions to our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and it would have been special for them if we tick the necessary boxes to win the tournament," Erasmus said.

"But it’s important to do our bit to assist the domestic franchises in their Vodacom URC campaigns.

“They have big games lined up, and every point in the competition counts, so we have no doubt the players will add immense value to their teams.”