Boks need to box clever to win fiery encounter with Argentina
THE Springboks must box clever in the physicality stakes when they face a formidable Argentine outfit in Port Elizabeth tomorrow, coach Allister Coetzee said.
A fierce battle is expected among the forwards as both sides strive to get their Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Boks will start the game with momentum on their side after a commanding 3-0 series win over France in June.
“The one thing that is non-negotiable is more effort and intensity in the way we play,” Coetzee said.
“The game is getting faster and there are not many stoppages. It is fast-paced and you have to be skilful and physical.
“It is physical in terms of brawn versus brawn, but you have to box clever with your physicality as well.
“That is going to be the challenge. If you look at some Super Rugby games, and other top quality games, you see highpace collisions and the ball stays in play longer.
“There is a massive, massive work rate from the players and that is the name of the game.
“The Super Rugby final between the Lions and Crusaders was an example of that.
“If you play against top quality players, you have to be smart and understand how important it is to play test rugby.
“This is not a squad that cannot change again. It is not cast in stone and players who are unlucky will get an opportunity.
“The Rugby Championship is played over 10 weeks and anything can happen.
“All the Springboks who were in action in the June tests and the latter part of the Super Rugby campaign played very well and I have no doubt that they will bring that form to Port Elizabeth.”