Franco Mostert is raring to go in anticipation of Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires, the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-ups for the Springboks, and said they were keen to grab this last opportunity to make a statement for RWC selection with both hands.
The players expected a gruelling battle at Estadio Velez Sarsfield, which some team members call ‘the cage’, and said they had to be ready for a formidable onslaught from the outset.
“Personally, I want to play well,” said Mostert, who will start at blindside flanker.
“This is the last chance to showcase what we can do to be in the Rugby World Cup squad. But it’s not just about going out there and playing for oneself, we are also playing for the country, and we want to do well in this game as a team.”
Mostert was under no illusions about the challenge awaiting the Boks in Buenos Aires: “I’ve played in Argentina a few times and it’s a different ball game here. They play with a lot of emotion and with Agustin Creevy (Pumas hooker) possibly playing his 100th Test, they’ll be even more driven.
“We know they’ll come hard at us in the first 20 or 30 minutes, and we must be ready for that. We’ve also warned the younger players in the squad about what to expect. They’ll also believe in themselves after coming close in the game in Johannesburg, so they’ll come out guns blazing.”
