Springboks extend unbeaten run in Buenos Aires: Five takeaways

Springbok hooker Johan Grobbelaar wins a rare aerial contest against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Picture: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images The Springboks edged a young but determined Argentina side 17-10 in Buenos Aires on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run at José Amalfitani Stadium going back to 1993. Theone-off Testproved a nail-biter as both sides proved resilient in defence and will rue not finishing the chances that came few and far between.

The game extended the Springboks’ winning streak to 12 Tests. They’ve also won their last four meetings with Argentina, and 12 of their last 13. Siya Kolisi was singled out by coach Rassie Erasmus as the one player among the five returning from injury hewasn’t too worried about.

But it was the Springbok captain, playing his first Test of the year after a hamstring strain, who hobbled off the field after 24 minutes. It emerged after the game that it was his other hamstring this time, and he needed to go for scans to determine the extent of the damage. It will be a shame if Kolisi has to spend another few months recovering, as he was in good rhythm, making some strong carries.

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It could even mean he loses his starting spot after recovery to fellow blindside flankerPaul de Villiers, who is enjoying a breakout season with the Springboks. Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Morné van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also returned from injury during the game. Etzebeth(concussion) andDe Jager(hip surgery) had each only played one match for their franchises in 2026.

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