Argentina will host the Springboks in what will be the first away match for Allister Coetzee as coach of the South African team. Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting from 5:40am (AEST).
The South Africans won the first edition of this match-up in the Rugby Championship last week, though it wasn’t easy – they had to come from behind to get the win and didn’t have the lead until late in the match.
They’re a side that is in something of a rebuilding phase at the moment as they look to refresh and prepare themselves for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but regardless of those circumstances they’ll still be desperate to get wins on the board.
One big concern for the Springboks at the moment is the form of Elton Jantjies who despite being excellent for the Lions during the Super Rugby season, has struggled to replicate that good form at international level.
Cotezee, though, has called for fans to hve patience with Janties.
“You have to give Elton opportunities and support,” said Coetzee. “He is learning and, hopefully, there will be progress this weekend.”
The most notable statistic for both sides coming into this game is that in 23 previous meetings, it’s been South Africa who were triumphant on 21 occasions, with one draw and just one solitary win to Argentina.
Of course, that came in last year’s Rugby Championship, on South Africa soil, surprisingly enough. So the Pumas are still searching for their first ever win at home over the Springboks.
Will they get it today? Or will South Africa make it two from two to start the Rugby Championship?
Prediction
The Pumas can get a second win over South Africa here.
Argentina by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting from 5:40am (AEST).
Fernando Marzano
Guest
Hello from Argentina I think there is the South African players who should be on this team. In my side a this time there are players that should be into the initial 15, as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marcel Coeetze, Duane Vermeulen and Handrè Pollard. Players like Warren Whiteley, Oupa Mohojé; Elton Jantjies; Lood de Jager lood; Goosen, would be important coming from the bench. Where is Willie Le Roux, is injured. I also liked a lot the wing of Cheethas Petersen. My team. Mtawarira 1-, 2-Strauss, 3-Julian Redelinghuys, 4-Etzebeth 5-Du Toit, 6-Coettzee, 7-Louw, 8-Vermeulen, 9-De Klerk, 10, Lambie, 11 Habana 12-Pollard, 13-Mapoe, 14-Ruan Combrinck, 15-Willie Le Roux So long
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Me too Hop. It sucks.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Thanks Ric.. I'd like to see that too! :-)
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
I think that is a big contributing factor CUW, but to be fair not the sole reason. With the current government I can't see the policy changing from within though, the rest of the rugby and cricket world (NZ, AUS, England, India, France etc) and World Rugby and the ICC need to put pressure on the South African government to change. If not then ban us again. That will be a wake up call that discrimination should never be accepted. I call it discrimination, because for the individual who is being left out of the team because he is the wrong skin colour, even though he is the better player, that's exactly what it is. Even if he has others of the same skin colour playing in the team. Selection should always be merit based.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Hi Bo, I think you're just cherry picking one line there. I was referring to how the All Blacks reacted after 2009. They scrutinised every area of their game, McCaw talks about it in his book. That is what the Boks need to do. One year??? Mate up until Nov 2014 we had never ever lost to Argentina, once ever to Wales out of about 33 odd tests, and Ireland has been been tougher in Ireland, but for the first time in history we lost a game to them in SA. I wasn't referring to the Tri Nations. Neutral refs?? Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones... ;-) It's simple, the All Blacks have been by far the superior team over the majority of these past 20 years.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
No Bakkies, the attitude should always be that the Boks should comfortably beat Ireland. The problem is that we haven't managed to do it consistently for the past decade. That is the Boks problem. If they don't have the attitude that we should beat every single team on this planet then you will lose more often than not. The Boks had it for about 100 years. Confidence is key, but pride can lead to your downfall. So I agree, you have to respect every single team and prepare as if you're playing the ABs, of course. Otherwise you lose, like Japan. If these players haven't learnt that yet then we have an even bigger problem. It's not being arrogant, it's setting the bar at that high level and preparing thoroughly enough to ensure you achieve that minimum level and expectation.
Bondio
Guest
I don't think we are only 7 points below AB. We still lack in defense, discipline a depth in beech. Our scrum is still weak. Although Pu as will give them a run for 65 minutes or so! Probably the most tight game they'll get this TRC!
RobC
Roar Guru
Rollaway, Hourcade, like Shag, and the NZ SR coaches have been long time mentors. They can change their teams style to suit the new rules. Same for Ackers / Lions Koochie Koo just inherited a new team. He will adapt soon enough Check was wrapped in his warm "Coach of the Year" parka. Too comfie and confident in his own PR, to make changes. It was recently stripped off him, along with his undies. He will wake up and right the ship.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks. I'll make a point of watching it CUW
Rollaway7
Roar Guru
Argues are moving forward just like the AB's. its only the Wallabies and the Boks going backwards. Love their use of the ball, they seem to be able to run into gaps, why can't SA and Aus do this?
ThisGuy
Guest
Thank you!! I'm from Argentina and I sought a comment on this in many blogs. I think it is correct to say that the Boks played with 16 men.
hopalong
Guest
Well -played Argies. For some time now I have been able to watch Bok rugby with a dispassionate eye. Sad really
Harry Jones
Expert
Damien de Allende picks up a hitchhiker ?? DdA: know who I am? Hiker: Yes, Springbok inside centre DdA: And you are? Hiker: Lionel Mapoe
Bakkies
Guest
Is that his real Twitter account though?
Bakkies
Guest
'All teams we should comfortably beat, home & away' the Boks haven't beaten Ireland comfortably since the early '00s. Time for that attitude to end and start respecting the opposition
Bakkies
Guest
Mahoje's dominant tackles were around the neck
Bakkies
Guest
Loaned out to Currie Cup I believe
bo jandal
Guest
"After the Boks wiped the ABs 3-0 in 2009" etc etc etc (code word for bla bla bla) That was a phenomenal year for the Boks but what about the other tri nations series before and after that particular year? I'm sorry but one year out of how many? Ironically, I think since re-admission years for the Boks......neutral refs have paid dividends.
CUW
Guest
surely not playing ur best 23 is the main cause ???
CUW
Guest
all that maybe BUT the saffers are not helped by the political team selections. i saw an old film called GLORY ROAD - about a smalltown basketball team , who basically played black guys during the 1960s USA. apparently its real-life events. maybe the politicains must have a look.