The fact that the Springboks have named a virtually unchanged side from that which decimated the Argentinian team a few short days ago speaks volumes to the confidence this team currently carries in the series. Of the changes that have occurred, Lourens Adriaanse is in the side to replace the recently removed Trevor Nyakane, and Piet Van Zyl is in to cover Fourie du Preez, who is unavailable for the overseas legs of the series.
This weekend sees a battered Los Pumas side facing a rampant Springboks team at home in Mendoza, and the question has to be posed, can Los Pumas actually beat the Springboks?
Argentina have yet to record a win in the Rugby Championship, this is however only their second season. Also, the other three teams are coming into the championship with all players just coming off the Super Rugby series. They’re match fit, and ready to play.
The Argentinian team, like the US team, and many other semi-pro teams, spend most of their time outside the national side splintered. Players head to the UK, Europe and Japan. This surely has to affect team cohesion, as the players need to first off figure out how best to relate to one another, and learn to play like Argentinians rather than a Saracen, or Perpignan team member. The All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies have had 12 weeks of solid play as Kiwi’s, Aussies and South Africans against one another.
Does this mean the Argentinians are doomed? No, far from it. Even with these hurdles ahead of them, Los Pumas have still managed to become one of the most popular, and most enjoyable sides in the world to watch. In the 2011 Rugby World Cup they gave the All Blacks a fright, getting a try against them early in their game. They’ve given a few sides similar scares as well. They’ve not won yet, however the operative word in that sentence is “yet“.
In the game this weekend, home field advantage can not be discounted. The Argentinian fans are noted for their vocal support, their passion and their love of the game. If the Pumas are going to win anywhere, this is where they’re going to do it. If I’m honest, I know it’s a big ask. But upsets have been known to happen in the past.
Whenever the Springboks take the field you can expect intensity. You can also expect a massive forward pack that will punish any mistake severely, and backs that will be focused on one thing only – the absolute destruction of the opposition. If the Springboks play the game their way, Argentina frankly hasn’t got a hope. The only way the Pumas are going to stand a chance this weekend is to get the ball in hand, and make the South Africans play the game their way. Again, this is a big ask from a side that is certainly willing to fight…but may well be punching above their weight with this team.
No matter what happens this weekend though, we can be guaranteed the game will absolutely be worth watching. The Springboks are top of the table, and with the All Blacks injury worries and the inconsistent play from Australia the Rugby Championship may this year come from South Africa.
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