If Argentina came up with such an ominous performance in Johannesburg, just think how dangerous they can be on their home ground in Buenos Aires.
According to Deon Davids, the Springboks are steeling themselves for another tough duel – the Argentines will once again refuse to throw in the towel.
“We are competing against a fiery team that believes they could have won in Johannesburg, while they will now also enjoy the support of their passionate supporters,” said the Springbok assistant coach.
The South Africans have chewed hard bones in Argentina before – just think of the defeats in 2016 (26 – 24) and in 2018 (32 – 19).
“It’s never easy to play here. Still, the match offers an opportunity for the players to show their mettle under pressure and this excites us.”
Last weekend, the Springboks had to stand up especially in the second half at Ellis Park to keep the Cougars away from their goal line.
“Overall it was a very competitive game and I take my hat off to Argentina who gave everything to win the test.”
However, Davids believes that the Springboks could not have asked for a better World Cup preparation match.
“Just like against the All Blacks, we had to play for the full 80 minutes. It was an excellent test and it was exactly what the team needed with a view to the World Cup.”
The World Cup warm-up starts at 21:10 on Saturday and the action is broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok squad to Argentina:
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Gerhard Steenekamp, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Joseph Dweba, Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie, Jean-Luc du Preez, Evan Roos, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie and Franco Mustard.
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Lukhanyo Am, André Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse.
World Rugby Rankings:
- Ireland: 91.82 points
- New Zealand: 90.77 points
- France: 90.47 points
- South Africa: 88.36 points
- Scotland: 82.77 points
- England: 82.12 points
- Argentina: 81.47 points
- Australia: 79.87 points
- Wales: 78.08 points
- Fiji: 76.86 points.
