The Springboks will be looking for improvement when they face a confident Argentina side at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.
The Rugby Championship: Round Three
South Africa v Argentina
Saturday 29 July
Emirates Airline Park
To Win
Springboks 1/16 | Draw 33/1 | Argentina 13/2
The Boks’ second round 20-35 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland was hugely disappointing on a number of levels. The performance of several key players, particularly those based in Japan, was underwhelming to say the least, and with yet another Rugby Championship title all but gone, it’s time to make some refinements before the trip to France.
The exciting selection of Grant Williams and Manie Libbok at Nos 9 and 10, as well as a back three of Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse suggests the world champs are opting for a dynamic, offensive game similar to that produced at Loftus Versfeld in round one. It should make for some entertaining viewing.
Despite having won the last six consecutive Tests against the South Americans, Jacques Nienaber’s men will be made to work hard; especially given the Pumas’ 34-31 defeat of the Wallabies in their last outing.
Michael Cheika’s side have the ability to ask questions of the Boks at both lineout and scrum time and will be looking to put the hosts’ halfbacks under as much pressure as possible.
Verdict: Pumas at (15) 11/10
The Boks should have too much for the Pumas at altitude.
