Rassie Erasmus Argentina Australia South Africa Ireland New Zealand springboks Rugby Championship Sport Rugby Rassie Erasmus Argentina Australia South Africa Ireland New Zealand

Springboks expect the unexpected against Argentina

rte.ie

Unbeaten South Africa go in search of a fifth Rugby Championship crown when they clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday (10pm Irish time) but their fiery hosts have title ambitions of their own and are primed for the fight.The Springboks will lift the trophy for the first time since 2019 if they beat Argentina, but with the latter having already claimed the scalps of New Zealand (38-30) and Australia (67-27) this campaign, they are certainly not taking anything for granted.Coach Rassie Erasmus said this week both sides were willing to "go to the gutter", a term the Springboks use to mean slugging it out and getting over the line in any way possible.He has made 10 changes to his starting XV, opting to leave several regulars at home in the knowledge he has two bites of the cherry, with a home clash against Argentina to come at Mbombela Stadium on 28 September.But with such strong depth in every position, changes do not mean a weakened side and it will rather be the ability of his team to handle their hosts in broken play that will decide the contest.The Springboks know it will be physical, frenetic and passionate at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, and exerting control among the forwards and with territorial kicking will be key."The theme for us when it comes to their (Argentina) set-pieces is to expect the unexpected," double World Cup winning prop Ox Nche told reporters."They have certainly grown in their forward play, and they are trying new things in the lineouts, where they can play at the front and back, and they maul as well, so they are a well-rounded team.

We know it's going to be a massive challenge."Argentina have the most tries in this year’s Rugby Championship with 15 and can score from

Related News
Shamrock Rovers moved to within two points of leaders Shelbourne in another twist to the Premier Division title race at Tallaght Stadium.
NELSPRUIT, South Africa : South Africa used their experience and powerful front five to grind down Argentina in the 48-7 victory that clinched the Rugby Championship at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
NELSPRUIT, South Africa : Lock Eben Etzebeth marked South Africa’s Rugby Championship title victory with a record-breaking 128th Springbok cap as he helped them to a comprehensive 48-7 victory over Argentina on Saturday and vowed to keep going at international level.
NELSPRUIT, South Africa : Imposing South Africa forward Eben Etzebeth has avoided the spotlight this week despite being set to become his country's most capped international, as he plays a 128th test in Saturday's Rugby Championship decider against Argentina.
NELSPRUIT, South Africa : Argentina have a slim chance of Rugby Championship success when they face up to hosts South Africa in the final game of this year’s competition on Saturday but captain Julian Montoya is not writing off their hopes.
NELSPRUIT, South Africa : South Africa meet Argentina for the Rugby Championship crown at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday where a point for the world champions will see them take the title against their fired-up visitors who are seeking a first trophy win.

Latest News

Change privacy settings
This page might use cookies if your analytics vendor requires them.