The Springboks are top of the table after back-to-back victories over Los Pumas in South Africa. I believe that playing the first two games against South Africa in the Rugby Championship was the worst thing possible for Argentina. I would have much preferred Los Pumas starting their campaign against Australia or New Zealand because against those opponents you have a bit more time on the ball and can make decisions more freely. However, against South Africa, who put pressure on you the whole game, it knocked Argentina’s confidence.
Los Pumas couldn’t produce any sort of rugby in either of the Tests and you have to give the Springboks plenty of credit because nowadays they are a very tough and horrible opponent to play against. They are horrible in terms of the pressure they put you under in every aspect of the game. South Africa are now playing a style of rugby which really suits them. They are extremely physical in the collisions, have an effective kicking game, a strong setpiece and are aggressive on defence. I would say that the Springboks are, without the ball, by far the best side in the world at the moment.
This story is from the August 29, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the August 29, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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