Springbok World Cup hopefuls turn the screws on Pumas with rousing comeback victory

Dirt trackers, fringe members, hopefuls.

Call them what you want, but the Springbok team that did duty at Estadio José Amalfitani against Argentina on Saturday night, for the most part, did exactly what the coaching staff would've hoped they'd do in claiming a rousing, come-from-behind 24-13 victory.

Popularly touted as the final opportunity for some to stake a claim for World Cup selection - the official announcement of the 33-man squad for France is on Tuesday afternoon - the majority of the players on show delivered performances that varied from creditable to outstanding.

20-year-old Canan Moodie was the pick, proving a calm, classy presence on attack and positively menacing on defence.

Excluding him from that group will - at least after this game - require some explaining from Jacques Nienaber and co, though he might yet be the beneficiary of Lukhanyo Am's misfortune, who was hammered on his knee in a tackle in the second quarter and looked distinctly immobile afterwards.

He was taken off at half-time and the fear now is that the Boks will travel to Europe with three stalwarts - there's still no indication as to when Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard will return - in limbo in terms of their availability.

Jean Kleyn was again superb as a robust anchor of an experimental pack, carrying strongly and completing the most tackles of any South African on the day and was well supported in the second half by replacements Jean-Luc du Preez and Evan Roos, the former playing like a man possessed.

Meanwhile, several World Cup certainties seized their opportunity for some game-time and can look forward to building on some belated momentum.

Damian Willemse was excellent as the last bastion, proving secure under the high ball, beating