There are just two log points that separate first-placed Australia and Argentina in fourth spot in the Rugby Championship. Sandwiched between them, the Springboks and All Blacks both have nine points.
With everything to play for with two rounds left in the competition, the Springboks will know that not this Saturday’s clash against Argentina is not only a must-win game, but one in which they need to also secure a try-scoring bonus-point.
Although Australia currently lead the standings, they will be overwhelming underdogs against the All Blacks at Eden Park this Saturday.
If that result goes in favour of New Zealand (kick off at 07:05 SA time) on Saturday, there will be a great opportunity for the Springboks to leapfrog their way to the top of the standings if they can secure a bonus-point victory against the Pumas in Durban.
With the Springboks currently enjoying the best points difference of any team in the competition (+18), they will want to head into the final round of the tournament knowing that fate is in their own hands.
The good news is that their final fixture will not be played in Argentina where they have often struggled, but instead it will be played at Twickenham, where they will have plenty of expat support in London.
It’s actually a great position for the Springboks to be in, but they simply have to target a bonus-point win against Argentina in their final game in South Africa this year.
WHERE THE SPRINGBOKS STAND IN THE CURRENT RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
BOKS WILL BE WARY OF THE MUCH-IMPROVED PUMAS
The match, which kicks off at 17:10 at Kings Park, marks the Springboks’ final home game of the season, which will undoubtedly spice up what will be a crucial clash, with both teams still in the running to win the title.
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In fact, all four participating teams, the Wallabies, Springboks, All Blacks, and Pumas, are all still in the title race, which is expected to set the scene for an electric closing two pool rounds as the competition draws to a close.
“Our performance against the All Blacks (in Wellington) was good, but the Pumas are a completely different team,” said assistant coach Brown.
“They’ve beaten the All Blacks and Wallabies already, so if we don’t pitch up in the right frame of mind, and try to be as dominant as possible, it will be a tough outing.
“It’s vital for us that we get our game plan right this week. We showed patches of good rugby in the last few matches, but we’d like to put together a strong 80-minute performance, and use most of our opportunities, which is something we must still get right.”
