Victor Matfield has remained in South Africa and will not feature in the Test against the Pumas on Saturday.

The Springbok lock sustained a knee cartilage injury in the buildup to the Boks' first match of the Rugby Championship. While he was ruled out of the clash against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld, it was hoped that he would be fit to travel to South America for the second game of the campaign.

However, it's been confirmed that Matfield has remained in South Africa for further rehabilitation, and will not be considered for the game in Salta. Matfield may be ready for the subsequent clash against Australia in Perth on 6 September.

Willem Alberts (hamstring), is another who remained in South Africa, but should be available for the Test in Perth.

While Marcell Coetzee replaced Alberts in the recent Test, Heyneke Meyer is likely to opt for a specialist at blindside flank this coming Saturday. Juan Smith is recovering from his own hamstring ailment, and the Bok medical team has confirmed that they will be monitoring him closely at training today.

The Boks' match-day squad to play Argentina in Salta will be announced on Wednesday evening. If Smith is passed fit, he is likely to start at No 7.

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