‘There are no positives here’

The Springboks’ upcoming away fixtures in Brisbane and Wellington now loom as massive challenges after their disappointing 32-19 Rugby Championship defeat to Argentina at the weekend.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus (below) described the performance as “extremely disappointing”, admitting it was tough for him to find positives from a record loss against the Pumas, who snapped an 11-match losing streak.

“It was embarrassing and not the kind of performance you expect to see from the Springboks,” said Erasmus whose record of victories dipped to 50% after his third loss in six Tests.

“We made only one change from last week, when we dominated them (in Durban), so we have to point the fingers at ourselves – firstly as coaches and then as players – and we will have to fix it.”

A brace of tries scored by Pumas rightwing Bautista Delguy, and another by flyhalf Nicholas Sanchez, ripped the heart out of the Boks in the first half.

“I’m not going to look for positives after a performance like that,” Erasmus said.

“We have no excuses. We knew exactly what to expect, we prepared for it but we just didn’t handle it.”

Being bullied at the breakdowns where referee Angus Gardner strangely allowed the Pumas a lot of freedom, coupled by Argentina’s rush defence which bordered on the offside line, the Boks were also found wanting on defence in the wider channels.

After trailing 27-7 at the break, the Boks fought back in the second half to score two tries by replacement wing Lionel Mapoe, but it was not quite enough.

Set to return home tomorrow, the Boks would have a few days off before flying out on Saturday for Tests against Australia and New Zealand next month.

Centre Jesse Kriel was expected to be added to the touring party after wing Makazole Mapimpi picked up a knee injury.