Kwagga Smith highlights what’s important for Springboks in clash against ‘tough’ Los Pumas side

Springboks back-rower Kwagga Smith said it’s important that the world champions stick together and play for each other as they aim to retain their unbeaten status in this year’s Rugby Championship.

South Africa will aim to win their fifth successive Test and by doing that they will also secure their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 when they take on Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

Although the Springboks are sitting pretty at the top of the competition’s table, Smith is wary of the home side who will have everything to play for as the only other title contenders.

The Boks head into their clash with Argentina with 18 points amassed on the Rugby Championship table, while Los Pumas are in second place on 10 points, followed by New Zealand (seven) and Australia (four).

Not underestimating Argentina

“This Argentinean team have proven that they can beat any side with their victories against Australia and New Zealand, so we certainly cannot go out there with the mindset that we can just pitch up and win,” said Smith.

“We really have to play as a tight team and play for one another, and hopefully if we can do that, we can get the desired result.”

Although the Boks are setting the pace and need only three more points in the standings to win the title, Smith adopted a cautious approach ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated clash.

“This is a huge opportunity for us to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but we cannot look too far ahead,” he said.

“They are a tough side, and they are also in the running to win the title, so they’ll want to get five points from this match, which will make next weekend in Nelspruit a final. The key for us is to focus on one game at a time.”

Meanwhile, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids echoed Smith’s sentiments and said he expects a brutal battle up front and a well-balanced performance from Los Pumas.

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“They are a well coached team, with a local coach (in Felipe Contepomi), and they are on an upward curve in terms of their performances,” he said.

“They have their usual tough customers up-front, so we expect a big set-piece challenge, and then they have backs who are fast and talented – many of whom come out of their sevens structures. So we’ll be facing a balanced and settled team.

‘Important thing for us will be to stick to our plans’

“That said, the important thing for us will be to stick to our plans and structures and be ready for any challenges they throw at us on the day.”

Smith identified the breakdowns and forward battle as key areas for both teams and said: “They have a few good stealers and fetchers, so it will be a massive battle this weekend.

“They have players there with a lot of experience and passion, so the breakdowns are going to be tough, and it will be a physical battle in the set pieces.”

While the Boks are aware of the magnitude of the challenge ahead and for some individual players in their ranks who will play in Argentina for the first time, they are looking forward to the encounter.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to play against Los Pumas here,” said Davids.

“We know it’s going to be tough, and they are a on a high after beating New Zealand and Australia, while they also know they have a chance to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, so it’s going to be a very tough encounter.”

Davids justified the Boks’ decision to start their training week in Buenos Aires and then travel to Santiago del Estero on Wednesday night where they will wrap up their preparations for the fixture.

“We are quite familiar with the surroundings and training facilities here, so it allowed us to settle in well without any disturbances,” he added. “The positive is that we will still have sufficient time in Santiago del Estero to adapt there before the game.”

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