Test #2 Preview: South Africa vs Argentina
Test #2 Preview: South Africa vs Argentina
South Africa and Argentina return this weekend to Nelson Mandela Bay for the second encounter of the Rugby Championship.
South Africa and Argentina return this weekend to Nelson Mandela Bay for the second encounter of the Rugby Championship.
Last week, the Springboks rode their tried and tested power game to a convincing victory by their favorite score of 32-12, but the plucky Pumas will be looking to turn things around with a more measured and clinical performance.
Argentina have shown signs in the last couple of years that they've had enough of being the TRC doormat. 2020 saw them pick up a first ever win against New Zealand, and two further ties with Australia saw them optimistic of a fourth all time win vs South Africa. The Boks shut that down, so it's back to the drawing board for coach Mario Ledesma and his squad.
An injury to key flanker Facundo Isa may see a reorganisation of the Pumas pack, with perhaps the excellent Marcos Kremer moving to the back row from last week's second row spot. The back line will once again be marshalled from 10 by the experienced Nicolas Sanchez, and the Pumas will be determined to tighten the screws and eliminate some of the sloppy play that gave them little chance last week.
Check out a highlight of the first game between South Africa and Argentina:
There's good news and bad news in the South Africa lineup this week. Good for the Boks, and bad for the Pumas, that is. The opening encounter last week saw wholesale changes in the South Africa team following their gruelling (for players and fans alike) three game slugfest with the British & Irish Lions. What was almost a Bok B side looked very comfortable in easing to a 20 point victory, and this week's roster is back to virtually full strength.
The whole backline that started the decisive third test vs the Lions is back and should be refreshed after a week off. All-world wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi will be chomping at the bit to show their stuff after the conservative gameplans of the Lions series kept them relatively quiet. Up front, enforcer Eben Etzebeth gets a rest, but the Boks are going big at prop with 300lb Thomas du Toit and 260lb Trevor Nyakane.
Argentina's Pumas have been making strides in recent seasons, but it's hard to see this one going any way other than a South Africa win. The Boks are on a roll, they know who they are, and they are comfortable with each other and their style of play. I'm going with 32-12 Boks - why not that score again?
Watch the full replay of the first game between the two teams:
