CAPE TOWN, Sept 19 (Askume) – Undefeated South Africa will take on Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday for a fifth rugby title but their fierce hosts have title ambitions of their own and are ready for the battle.
The Springboks will lift the trophy for the first time since 2019 if they beat Argentina, but having already claimed wickets from New Zealand (38-30) and Australia (67-27) this season, they will almost certainly not get it. Taken for granted.
Coach Rassie Erasmus said this week that both sides were keen to “go into the gutter”, a term the Springboks use to describe dueling and crossing the line in any way possible.
He made 10 changes to his starting line-up, opting to keep several regular players at home, knowing he had taken two bites of the cherry ahead of the home game against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium on September 28.
But with so much depth in every position, the changes won’t mean the team has become weaker, rather their side’s ability to handle the home team in a broken game will determine the game.
The Springboks know it will be a match full of physicality, frenzy and passion at the Estadio Unico in Ciudad Madre, where control of the forwards and zonal play will be key.
“When it comes to their (Argentina’s) set pieces, our theme is to expect the unexpected,” two-time World Cup winner Oxenche told reporters.
“They have definitely stepped up, they are trying new things in the lineout, they can play forward and back, and they can attack as well, so they are a well-rounded team. We know it will be a big challenge.
Argentina have taken the most shots on target in this year’s Rugby Championship with 15 and can score from anywhere. But they understand it is a battle that will be won or lost by the striker.
They made three changes to their lineup compared to their previous loss against Australia, locking in Pedro Rubiolo and Franco Molina as the new second line. Joaquin Oviedo came into the team at eighth.
“They (South Africa) have a very wide player base,” said Argentina defender Matias Moroni. “They have rotated players and done a good job. There has been no change (in their performance level).”
“Everything is going so well for them right now. Let’s try to break that streak.”
The Springboks lead the Rugby Championship standings by eight points over second-placed Argentina with two games remaining. They are the only team still competing for the title.
