Springboks looking to up their game against a ‘passionate’ team

DURBAN: The likes of the Cake Tin in Wellington, and Eden Park in Auckland may be daunting arenas for foreign teams to try and poach a win, but as a destination, Argentina has racked up quite a reputation in both the Test world, and in Super Rugby.

The Springboks are in Mendoza this week. They will know that despite picking up a bonus point win against the Pumas in Durban, they will not have everything their own way as they face the Argentinian team, as well as their partisan supporters.

The talk following the game in Durban has been about improving. Post match, Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi explained there was plenty of room to be better, and with the Boks on foreign shores, that has become even more apparent.

Speaking on arrival in Argentina, both assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and past captain Warren Whiteley said they were wary of the difficulties that come with playing in the Far West.

“We know it’s tough to play here against a passionate team. They play for their supporters and their loved ones. They bring a lot of intensity at home. It’s a different kettle of fish over here.

“We’ve just come from our review, and there are a few areas in which we are looking to improve. One thing is for sure, we will have to lift the intensity even more for a game like this. We’ve got to make good decisions at the breakdown. We can’t afford to waste numbers there, and then we are vulnerable out wide. I’m sure the Pumas will be better in that area this week.”

The breakdown seems to be an area of special concern for the Springboks this week as even Stick, more in tune with backline play, explained that the Boks would have to be brutal at the base of the rucks.

“We know how much heart and pride they play with at home,” added Stick.

“They will always challenge you, especially at the breakdowns. They gave us a bit of a tough time in that area last week, particularly in the wider channels.”

Stick also honed in on an aspect of the Durban game that was frustrating for the Boks, their ability to create opportunities, but not finish them. He compared that aspect to the All Blacks who have always been famed at turning the smallest chances into try scoring ones.

“We created a lot of opportunities in Durban, but we’ve got to start making more of those,” said Stick. “If you look at the All Blacks, when they get that kind of possession, they make it count. If you give them a sniff, they will punish you. We are working very hard on that.”