The Springboks will look to build on their excellent 24-8 win over Australia in Sydney when they face off against Argentina on Saturday. Get the latest team news, kick-off times and more here!
Boks must win in Buenos Aries to keep Championship hopes alive
The Springboks kept their Rugby Championship hopes alive two weeks ago in Sydney with a 24-8 win over the Wallabies. Argentina, meanwhile, would suffer a humbling 53-3 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks a few hours earleir.
That pair of resutls ensured that the race for the Rugby Championship is beautifully poised heading into the penultimate weekend of action. The All Blacks lead the way on 10 points from South Africa, Australia and Argentina; all of whom have nine points.
Initially set to be hosted at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium, the game has had to be moved to the home of Argentinian football club, Independiente. This after news broke of the sub-standard playing surface at the original venue.
Jacques Ninaber and the Springboks’ brains trust have named the same run-on XV who got the job done against Australia. There are some interesting changes to the bench, however.
Faf de Klerk comes in for Cobus Reinach with Elrigh Louw taking over from Duane Vermuelen. Most interesting, however, is the inclusion of Andre Esterhuizen. The midfield enforcer takes over from Warrick Gelant. The Harlequins man hasn’t played for teh Boks since the 24-18 win over Argentina in August 2019 and will be desperate to make a big impression from the bench.
Canan Moodie’s try on debut 🇿🇦
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 4, 2022
🎙 Xhosa commentary #AUSvRSA #RugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/VNmj90FupQ
Betting Odds
The Springboks have been priced up as heavy favourites with Hollywoodbets. A (-7.5) handicap was available on Wednesday afternoon. If they can repeat their Sydney effort, the Boks should clear this with ease.
To Win Match
Argentina 9/4 | Draw 22/1 | South Africa 7/20
Handicap
Argentina (+7.5) 9/10 | South Africa (-7.5) 9/10
When and where to watch?
We go from the early to mid-morning kick-offs in Australia to late-night affairs in South America! Build up to the game gets underway at 20:15 on Saturday evening with kick-off at 21:00. All times SAST.
Catch this game on SuperSport Grandstand (channel 201 on DStv).
Libertadores de América Stadium
This fixture was scheduled to be played at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium, however, the poor state of the playing surface necessitated a move.
Libertadores de América Stadium is a 48 000-seater arena and the home ground Independiente, one of Argentina’s most famous football clubs. Players like Sergio Aguerro and Diego Forlan have donned the club’s famous red and white kit in the past.
Anyway, there’s not much to go on rugby-wise here. I haven’t been able to find much info in English regarding the stadium’s rugby history but you can bet on the atmosphere being an intimidating one.
Key to the Boks’s chances will be getting on top of the home side to silence their support in the stands. You wouldn’t want to be Damian Willemse lining up a pressure kick in this cauldron.
Teams
Argentina
15 Juan Cruz Mallia, 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 12 Matias Orlando, 11 Lucio Cinti, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Pablo Matera, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Matias Alemanno, 3 Eduardo Bello, 2Julian Montoya (capt), 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Thomas Gallo, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Rodrigo Bruni, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 23 Matias Moroni.
Springboks
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Elrigh Louw, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
