The Springboks emphasised the importance of treating Argentina with the respect they deserve and sticking to their own systems as they prepare to line up against their Castle Lager Rugby Championship title contenders in Santiago del Estero on Saturday, where victory for South Africa will see them clinch the title for the first time since 2019, with a match in hand in Nelspruit next week.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick expected a gruelling battle, saying that Argentina are a quality side under former Puma inside back Felipe Contepomi as their head coach.
“He really knows what buttons to press with the players,” said Stick.
“He is a legend of the game over here, and he’s made them a dangerous side, which one can see from their results, so if we don’t pitch up with the right mindset physically and mentally, they will punish us.
“That said, we are playing at a new stadium and in a new city, and we are looking forward to the challenge. We have our goals as a team, and the two extra days in Stellenbosch allowed us to implement a few things that we want to bring into the game.”
“One thing’s for certain, it will take a 23-man effort to win the match because they have selected a good team with a bench that can also bring a massive impact.”
With the passionate support for the team from back home, Stick said South Africa’s rugby faithful will continue to be a big driving force for the team this weekend.
“We want to keep growing as a team and to ensure that we can do our bit to leave the country in a better place,” said Stick. “It’s massive motivation for us for what the team does for the country.
“In fact, there are many similarities between the SA and Argentina teams and their people, and the passion the sides play with, so we know it’s going to be a tough grind, and it’s vital that we give them the respect they deserve.
“They’ve had good results this season and they even beat New Zealand away from home, so if we don’t treat them with respect it could be a long day for us. That said, if we stick to our systems, hopefully the result will follow.”