Cheika dreaming of Rugby Championship title ahead of Bok clash in Buenos Aires

When Michael Cheika took over as coach of Argentina he said his main aim was to build a team for next year's Rugby World Cup, yet ahead of Saturday's clash with South Africa in Buenos Aires, he is still dreaming of winning the Rugby Championship.

The Pumas began this week bottom of the table but only a point off the leaders New Zealand, who thrashed them 53-3 in their previous outing.

Ahead of that match, though, Argentina had been top of the standings with all four sides winning two and losing two of their opening four games.

It's a mark of how close this season's championship has been.

The Pumas are now five points behind the All Blacks, who earned a controversial and dramatic last gasp 39-37 win in Australia on Thursday, having played a game less.

But all four sides can still win the competition.

"It is up to us to keep the Rugby Championship open and alive," said Australian Cheika after making seven changes to his team.

Two weeks ago, Argentina suffered their heaviest ever Rugby Championship defeat to the All Blacks, a week after recording their first ever victory in New Zealand.

Cheika insisted there will be no hangover from their hiding.

"When we got back to work at the start of the week, everyone had a good attitude, very positive and have concentrated on the strategy for the game," he said.

"It will be important to impose our way of playing. South Africa are a lot different to play against than Australia and New Zealand. It will be a different dynamic."

'Tough players'

With New Zealand playing at home to Australia next week, Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk knows that realistically his side will need to win their final two matches against Argentina to have any chance of finishing top.

"All the teams are aware of how close the