‘Boks must execute better’

Heyneke Meyer says the Springboks will have to make a step up this week if they are going to remain unbeaten in 2014.

The Boks began their Rugby Championship campaign with a 13-6 win against Argentina in the wet at Loftus, and will play the Pumas again in Salta this Saturday. 

'It was a tough start in difficult conditions for both teams, but we simply have to execute better this weekend,' said Meyer upon the team’s arrival in Buenos Aires. 'We have first-hand experience on how tough it is over here from our last two visits to Argentina. They are a very proud rugby nation and have improved immensely over the last number of years.

'The players know they have to be 100% sharp and focused when we hit the training field this week. It’s a great challenge to improve on our results here from 2012 and 2013, but we have to be at our best.'

The players will have light flush-out sessions before the first training session of the week, on Tuesday, while the medical team will treat the bumps and bruises sustained at Loftus.

Golden Lions captain Warren Whiteley, who was called into the squad following a hamstring strain sustained by Willem Alberts late last week, hooked up with the squad at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening.

'It's a dream come true, for every young South African; I actually don't have the words to describe what I'm feeling,' he said. 'It's incredible. I got the call directly from the coach, with my wife sitting next to me. It was special, Heyneke asking me to join up with the squad. It's such a huge honour to be here with such great players.'

The Boks will have two training sessions in Buenos Aires before travelling to Salta on Thursday.

Kick-off on Saturday is 9:40pm (SA time).

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images

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