Mindset needs work, says coach
GOOD DECISIONS BUT EXECUTION WAS LACKING Argentina will be a tough nut to crack in their own conditions.
After four Test matches of their international season, the Springboks are still a “work in progress”. Having scraped through against Argentina in Nelspruit in the Rugby Championship last weekend, the Boks have now won three Tests in a row since their loss to Ireland early in June.
Yet mistakes are still hampering their progress, said flyhalf Elton Jantjies after they touched down in Sao Paulo, Brazil, en route to Buenos Aires where they rubbed shoulders with the departing Olympic athletes.
“It was great seeing the athletes, but for us this weekend it’s about limiting those errors as we continue looking for improvement,” said Jantjies.
Coach Allister Coetzee said the balance in their mindset still needs some attention.
“The guys sometimes took good decisions but then the execution was lacking. It’s a work in progress,” said Coetzee.
“Making fundamental mistakes, we have to look at that, and get it right, it started with the decision when to kick and when to run. It’s not really major issues.”
While the performances of flank Oupa Mohoje and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk were some of the few highlights, Coetzee said the Pumas should also get a lot of credit.
“The Argentinians are a good side. They are not simply an improving side in world rugby, they are a force and beat us last year,” he said.
While the Boks are currently not anywhere at the level the All Blacks displayed last weekend, Coetzee said they are continuing to develop.
“This team lost the first Test against Ireland but on Saturday we got the result,” he said.
“That’s something to start and base the foundation on and rectify those mistakes. It’s going to be hard this week, it’s going to be tough in Salta and we need a much bigger improvement to start with in every Test.”
France’s Jerome Garces has been appointed to officiate the game which kicks off at 9.40pm