BEWARE BACKLASH!
Banish errors, execute clinically, be bold Boks
The last time the Boks played in Salta – in 2014 – they needed a last-minute Morné Steyn penalty to clinch a 33-31 victory.
Then there is the man in charge, monsieur Jerome Garces, who isn’t one of South Africa’s favourite referees. Of his previous seven Tests officiating the Boks, they lost four and won three.
So, the chances of an upset are huge, and the stars are aligned for Argentina to register their first win over the men in green and gold on home soil.
Bok captain Adriaan Strauss is under no illusions as to what awaits his troops tonight. Los Pumas are more than just a threat; they have some serious bite.
“The Argentinians have been semi-finalists in Rugby World Cups, so they are a rugby force. They need to be respected,” Strauss said.
“This is a massive Test match for both teams in their backyard. We know they are a passionate nation, and they will come with a backlash as well following the defeat in Nelspruit.”
But today’s encounter could be the match when Coetzee’s men finally deliver a convincing 80-minute display.
There have been glimpses of their new attacking game com- ing together, and their opening and final tries at Mbombela Stadium last Saturday were clinically finished thanks to some quick-thinking and swift handling. But there was also too many unforced errors, poor execution and terrible decision-making.
If the Boks can do the basics well and execute their plans efficiently, they should have no problem dispatching Los Pumas – no matter where in the world they play.
“We need to be better in everything we do and lift the standard,” Strauss added.
“We have to make the step-up, because there were a few areas in the game where we were very disappointing.
“We have high standards and we want to fix things.”