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The South Africa Springboks host the Argentina Pumas in the second match of the 2014 Rugby Championship. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:00 am (AEST).
The only time South Africa was not victorious over Argentina was a tied game two years ago.
For the first half of that match, the Pumas outmuscled Heyneke Meyer’s team. The Pumas want to deliver a similar performance, especially with a good chance for rain in Pretoria.
The European Pumas are now available and will bolster the team. Agustin Creevy returns from Worcester as Pumas hooker and captain. His ball-in-hand skills will complement his backrowers.
31-year-old scrum-master Marcos Ayerza will have another encounter with 34-year-old Bakkies Botha. Botha ran through and broke Ayerza’s collarbone in a Leicester vs Toulon match last year.
Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade intends to take on the Springboks’ speed and aggression head-on. To do this, his team needs to take greater care of possession. Lost lineouts and dropped balls contribute significantly to the lack of point-scoring opportunities. Also, their maul defence has been a target for the Springboks.
The Pumas have had some success in brilliantly scoring first tries against South Africa and New Zealand. Their challenge comes later in the game, when the bench comes on. Springboks Adrian Strauss, Marcell Coetzee and Eben Etzebeth will come on in second half, looking to create a wave of points.
Some may question Argentina’s involvement in the Rugby Championship, considering their form is perennially below the northern hemisphere teams. However, the same questions were asked about Sri Lanka cricket when they joined the international circuit in the 1980s. Today, they outrank New Zealand and West Indies. Perhaps one day Argentina Rugby will also lift to challenge the best.
Until then, they will aim for early points, to retain possession, and hold out for the full 80.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.