If you thought the Springboks would have an easy stroll at Twickenham this Saturday against a supposedly down-and-out Argentina, think again. Mzwandile Stick, the Springbok assistant coach, is bracing for a storm as he anticipates a “desperate” Pumas squad eager to make amends after their previous losses. The stage is set for a clash that could be more fiery than expected.
Coming off a resounding 67-30 victory over the Pumas in Durban, the Springboks are looking to cement their legacy by clinching back-to-back Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship titles for the first time in the tournament’s nearly three-decade history. However, Stick warned that pride and passion might fuel a fierce comeback from the Argentine side. “Argentina always respond strongly – they lost to the All Blacks and then beat them the next week, same with Australia. We’d be stupid not to learn from that,” he cautioned.
“They’ll be desperate and they’ve picked quality players. If we switch off, they’ll punish us.”
On the tactical front, Stick emphasized the need for a robust set-piece, a strategic kicking game, and, most crucially, mental readiness. “We need to be at our best,” Stick noted, acknowledging the mix of youthful zest and veteran savvy in the Pumas' ranks, highlighted by the new halfback duo of Simón Benítez Cruz and Gerónimo Prisciantelli, and standout players like centre Santiago Chocobares and wingers Juan Cruz Mallía.
Despite leading at the break in their last encounter, a full 80-minute performance is something Stick is adamant the Boks must deliver this time around. “Last week there were too many soft penalties, like offsides, that kept them in the game. That can’t happen again. We know our pressure points and where we want to put Argentina under strain, but we must be accurate and disciplined,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, remained focused on the immediate task rather than the historical implications of the match. “The most important thing is putting on the Springbok jersey and honouring it in every way we can,” he declared.
As the game approaches, a strong turnout of South African expat fans is expected at Twickenham, a familiar yet neutral venue for the Springboks. “Playing at Twickenham is not necessarily an advantage – Argentina have supporters all over the world,” Kolisi noted. “But wherever we’ve gone, South Africans have come out to back us. Hopefully it’ll be the same this weekend.”
With the stage set for a thrilling championship decider, the Pumas will look to upset the Springboks' plans, while the Boks aim to solidify their place among rugby’s greats.
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If you thought the Springboks would have an easy stroll at Twickenham this Saturday against a supposedly down-and-out Argentina, think again. Mzwandile Stick, the Springbok assistant coach, is bracing for a storm as he anticipates a “desperate” Pumas squad eager to make amends after their previous losses. The stage is set for a clash that could be more fiery than expected.
Coming off a resounding 67-30 victory over the Pumas in Durban, the Springboks are looking to cement their legacy by clinching back-to-back Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship titles for the first time in the tournament’s nearly three-decade history. However, Stick warned that pride and passion might fuel a fierce comeback from the Argentine side. “Argentina always respond strongly – they lost to the All Blacks and then beat them the next week, same with Australia. We’d be stupid not to learn from that,” he cautioned.
“They’ll be desperate and they’ve picked quality players. If we switch off, they’ll punish us.”
On the tactical front, Stick emphasized the need for a robust set-piece, a strategic kicking game, and, most crucially, mental readiness. “We need to be at our best,” Stick noted, acknowledging the mix of youthful zest and veteran savvy in the Pumas' ranks, highlighted by the new halfback duo of Simón Benítez Cruz and Gerónimo Prisciantelli, and standout players like centre Santiago Chocobares and wingers Juan Cruz Mallía.
Despite leading at the break in their last encounter, a full 80-minute performance is something Stick is adamant the Boks must deliver this time around. “Last week there were too many soft penalties, like offsides, that kept them in the game. That can’t happen again. We know our pressure points and where we want to put Argentina under strain, but we must be accurate and disciplined,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, remained focused on the immediate task rather than the historical implications of the match. “The most important thing is putting on the Springbok jersey and honouring it in every way we can,” he declared.
As the game approaches, a strong turnout of South African expat fans is expected at Twickenham, a familiar yet neutral venue for the Springboks. “Playing at Twickenham is not necessarily an advantage – Argentina have supporters all over the world,” Kolisi noted. “But wherever we’ve gone, South Africans have come out to back us. Hopefully it’ll be the same this weekend.”
With the stage set for a thrilling championship decider, the Pumas will look to upset the Springboks' plans, while the Boks aim to solidify their place among rugby’s greats.