Boks braced for ‘hard grind’ against Pumas

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The Springboks know that history will count for little when they play their final home game of the year against Argentina in Johannesburg, where Los Pumas have yet to win.

Should the Wallabies deny the All Blacks any log points in Melbourne earlier on Saturday, the Springboks will be in with a fighting chance to win the 2023 Rugby Championship title if they record a bonus-point win against the Pumas.

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By the time the match at Ellis Park kicks off at 5pm, the Springboks will already know what is required, as the Melbourne Test starts at 11.45am (South Africa time).

The Springboks have a good recent record against Argentina, winning the last six clashes between the two teams, while they are unbeaten against Los Pumas in Johannesburg. However, this doesn’t mean that the Boks are taking anything for granted, as forwards coach Deon Davids warned of the threat posed by the visitors.

“Argentina are a team that plays with a lot of pride, and they don’t go away,” said Davids. “They fought until the end against Australia and earned the win, and against New Zealand, they started slowly, but went on to win the second half. So, it’s going to be a grind from the start, but we have to be accurate and play in the right areas of the field.”

Zooming in on their strengths, Davids said: “They have a massive set piece, and they have extreme speedsters in the backline, so if you concede possession against them it could count against you.”

Davids was joined by winger Cheslin Kolbe and tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, a big hint that both players will retain their places in the matchday squad from the side that faced the All Blacks in Auckland.

Malherbe also spoke highly of Argentina’s forward pack, saying: “They are a physical side that keeps playing for the full 80 minutes. They also have a big scrummaging culture, so we have to be ready for that.”

Kolbe focused on the backs and said: “The aerial contest and battle for dominance is going to be big. Argentina showed in their last two matches what they can do, and with players in their backline that have played on the Sevens circuit, they’ll pose challenges.”

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If Kolbe is selected, he will make his first appearance in the green and gold at Ellis Park.

“It would be fantastic,” said Kolbe. “The atmosphere at the stadium is electric and we’d love it if people come out in numbers and support us. It’s our last home game before we leave for the World Cup, so it would be special to play in front of a passionate crowd.”

Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

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