Springboks: Argentina have a balanced squad despite missing players

The Springboks believe Argentina comprise a balanced squad, mixing experience with the eagerness of youth, and being strong in just about all departments,reportsThe Citizen. Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captainSiya Kolisisaid so on the eve of their one-off Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday night (kick-off 9.10pm). South Africa fieldfive players returning from injury, including Test centurions Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, while eight players havefewer than 10 caps, and 11 have 14 caps or fewer.

Argentina feature even less experience, namingfour debutants. This is because the likes of Joaquin Oviedo, Julian Montoya, Gonzalo Garcia, Justo Piccardo and Bautista Delguy are unavailable due to club commitments. These factors, along with South Africa’s recent 11-1 record against Argentina, have led some to describe the Argentina Test as a ‘warm-up’ to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series againstthe All Blacks, for which the Springboks left a contingent in South Africa to train for.

Stick, however, said the Springboks prepare with the same intensity for all the teams they face. Kolisi said he was preparing for a tough clash against old foesPablo Matera and Tomás Lavanini. “Argentina have evolved their game with coach Felipe Conteponi,” Kolisi said.

[paywall]

“Their kicking game is very strong. They play in the right areas, and they’re more disciplined than before. They were close to winning they games against Scotland and England.

“There’s also a couple of guys who come from a Sevens background. They’ve got a couple of players who can also turn something out of nothing. So anything is possible.

Their set piece is also good. Argentina is known for their scrum. They can play from broken play.

So we’re going to have to be very disciplined and stick to the plan that we have for this coming game.” Stick said the Springboks regularly rotate their squad, and opposition do not underestimate them. So Argentina also should be respected.

[/paywall]