The Springboks face Argentina in Durban this Saturday in a crucial Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash. After their impressive performance against the All Blacks in Wellington, the question is: can they maintain that level of play and establish it as their new standard?
While expecting a repeat of that second-half masterclass against New Zealand might be unrealistic, the Boks will be aiming for a dominant display. Former Bok coach Nick Mallett cautioned against expecting a team to always start with the same momentum they finished the previous game. However, the pressure is on to deliver a consistent performance.
This Argentina side is a different beast compared to the one they faced last year in Nelspruit. Remember that game? It was the one where Eben Etzebeth broke the South African record for the number of test caps, and the Boks were dominant. This time around, Los Pumas will be looking to put up a stronger fight.
Cutting Down Errors is Key
The Springboks have been focusing on minimizing errors this week. Missed opportunities and mistakes have plagued them in previous matches. As they reflect, there always seem to be “what if” moments to consider. If they had reduced errors in the first half in Wellington, they might have beaten the All Blacks by a greater margin. Similarly, in the first Championship game against Australia in Johannesburg, an overplayed hand after a strong start prevented them from achieving even more.
What to Expect
- A physical battle upfront.
- Tactical kicking from both sides.
- The Springboks aiming for a more clinical performance.
- Argentina looking to disrupt the Boks' rhythm.
This match presents an opportunity for the Springboks to prove their consistency and solidify their position as a top rugby nation. A win in Durban would be a significant step in that direction.