The experienced scrumhalf is the only change for Saturday’s Test against Argentina but he has a chequered past at No 9.
It’s not really surprising that the only change to the Springboks’ starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Salta is one of the few talking points.
With Ross Cronje staying behind with an ankle injury, it’s up to scrumhalf Francois Hougaard to organise the backline with halfback partner Elton Jantjies.
A 43-cap veteran is, on paper, exactly what the Springboks need to fill that void.
But it’s not that simple.
For starters, Hougaard is the only overseas-based player in the current group.
That means the 29-year-old grabs extra attention, especially since many rugby fans are rejoicing that the locally-based players are performing well.
In other words, popular perception at the moment is that the Springboks actually don’t need overseas stars.
Hougaard will truly have to pull the strings