The day came when South Africa took precautions before facing the Argentina. Not because The Pumas be more than Springbokswho are the best in the world, but because of what the staff he commands Race Erasmus He saw what they are capable of doing. The coach took note of what happened in Santiago del Estero and completed an idea about how Felipe Contepomi shapes the Selected One.
Erasmus captured the Argentine moment and has an x-ray of the team he is going to face and although it is enough for him to tie the game to be champion – even losing by a lead of less than seven – he admits that what lies ahead in the Mbombela Stadium It will not be a procedure.
“Argentina really believes they have what it takes to win the title”Erasmus summarized and revealed, perhaps, what he fears most about Los Pumas: their conviction. It is an intangible tool, but one that can be identified when the team is capable of turning around a 0-17 deficit.
He experienced firsthand what he had seen on television 15 days before facing them, when he tuned in on the television to the game in which, after 28 minutes, Argentina lost to Australia by that same difference in a 20-3 that ended with a historic win with 40 points advantage in favor of Los Pumas. They have to face that team again.
“We know that it is not going to be easy because They already showed that anything is possible by beating the All Blacks in New Zealand and registering a record victory over Australia too. So, although we are close to claiming the title, we do not take anything for granted,” admitted the coach on the same day that he announced the 23 players who will attempt the consecration.
The defeat in Santiago del Estero made him raise his guard in Nelspruit and on Saturday the South Africans will have three backs sitting on the bench, like when they face New Zealand. He usually bets on the complete replacement of his forwards and reserves two to refresh those at the back.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge. This is an Argentine team that has something special brewing in its setup and will give everything to win its first title in the competition. We have selected this team with that in mind“he foreshadowed.
What is “that in mind”? Nothing less than the same pack of forwards that defeated the All Blacks 18-12 in Cape Town and will have three backs on the bench – scrum half Cobus Reinach, fly half Handre Pollard and center Lukhanyo Am – to try to penetrate the Argentine defence.
But there is another idea in mind that the staff conveys to the players: the similarities that exist in the role of the national team and the impact on society, the people. The impact that a victory has and that the prestigious place in the world is offered by sport: South Africa is a power because of the Springboks, something similar to what happens in Argentina with soccer.
Celebration in Santiago del Estero after the victory against South Africa. Photo Emmanuel Fernández.“The Argentines are a lot like the South Africans. They come from a country where their players have also had to overcome great challenges to be where they are today, and this is the first time in history that they have the opportunity to win the trophy, so They will come out with everything: they have nothing to lose,” he admitted.
The person who had previously pointed out the similarities between South Africans and Argentines had been the Erasmus assistant, Mzwandile Stickwho also praised the environment of the city of Buenos Aires so that the players felt “like at home.”
“South Africa and Argentina live with the passion with which they play, as do their people. If we do not treat them with respect, it could be a very difficult day for us,” he distinguished. Before the defeat in Santiago, Stick had uttered a premonitory phrase when referring to Contepomi.
“It has turned the team into a dangerous one, which can be seen in its results, so if we do not play with the right physical and mental conditions, they will punish us. He really knows what to do with his players,” he praised.
The players are on the same line. The experienced Cheslin Kolbe He pointed out that Los Pumas raised their level in recent years, but highlighted the beginning of the Contepomi era and the replacement of players.
“The Pumas have improved over the years and I think they have shown this especially with their new coach, Contepomi, and the players they have called up. For us it is important to focus on ourselves and that we know what to expect from them, what they can create out of nothing,” distinguished the fullback.
Mateo Carreras, in the Springboks’ sights. Photos Emmanuel Fernandez For the player who will be there at the start and saw what happened in Santiago on the screen, there is a player who, despite not being one of the historic ones, already has a World Cup and maintained with Contepomi the place he earned with the previous coach, Michael Cheika.
“Mateo Carreras is a phenomenal, exceptional and talented player. He is one of the players who can provide that energy for the team. It definitely helps to see him from home and get advice from the guys, what it was like to face him in Argentina. “Everyone helps and everyone contributes,” he noted.
The words of Erasmus, Stick o Kolbe They talk about the same thing: about the Springboks having reservations when it comes to facing Los Pumas. All on a date at the end of Rugby Championship in which for the first time Argentina depends on itself to achieve its first title among the powers of the Southern Hemisphere.
“They like to have the ball and we hope they do the same this weekend. I think we are going to be ready and be able to rectify last week, when Argentina played really well”Kurt-Lee Arendse, World Champion in France 2023, finished painting the stage.
After intensive training on Wednesday, South Africa will rest on Thursday and on Friday they will have their final movements in the captain’s run and on Saturday, they will try to leave no doubt which of the teams is superior.