SA ‘will have to lift intensity’ of game in Argentina
The Springboks wasted little time in talking up the Pumas on their arrival in Argentina for the Rugby Championship clash in Mendoza on Saturday.
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and No 8 Warren Whiteley warned of a Pumas backlash following their 34-21 loss in Durban to the Boks, while Stick also highlighted the Pumas’ ruck strength.
“We know how much heart and pride they play with at home‚” Stick said soon after the team arrived in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
“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.
“The Jaguares won four games in Australasia in the Super Rugby tournament.
“There’s a lot of belief in that group. They believe they can beat anyone.
“But we created a lot of opportunities in Durban and we’ve got to start making more of those‚” Stick said.
Whiteley‚ who played his first Test in more than a year in Durban last Saturday‚ believes that Argentina is well balanced across the pitch.
“Although we won the contest in Durban‚ we all know we have to improve and play much better against a quality side on Saturday,” he said.
“The Pumas scored good opportunistic tries and put us under pressure in the first half.
“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 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.”
The Boks will train in the Argentinean capital until Thursday‚ and fly out to Mendoza on Friday, where they will wrap up preparations for the big clash.