Contepomi laments collapse

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi believes a lack of experience was the main factor behind his side's 63-9 defeat to South Africa in the one-off Test in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi believes a lack of experience was the main factor behind his side's 63-9 defeat to South Africa in the one-off Test in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Pumas made a great start and found themselves 9-0 up with a quarter of the game played, but the Boks hit back with 63 unanswered points which included nine tries.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” said the Leinster playmaker.

“They are the best team in the world and it was also a difficult time of the year for us to come out here and play.”

“It's never easy to play your first game of the season and even less so against the world champions.

“They have the core that won the World Cup last year and they are a great team.

“I remember when I first played for Argentina, we also took some big losses, but we kept the same players and we used that experience well in the World Cup. We need to do that again.”

Contepomi acknowledged that his side was unable to cope with the altitude or the Boks' superior fitness levels.

“We gave it our all in the first 30 minutes, but couldn't maintain the momentum,” he said.

“The Boks got some experienced men up front and some exciting youngsters coming through. The new laws also suit them well, they're very dangerous on the counter-attack.”