The Springboks can win the Rugby Championship title for the first time in their clash against Argentina in Salta on Saturday.
With New Zealand and Australia locking horns earlier in the day, the Springboks will know exactly what needs to be done against the Pumas to get their hands on the southern hemisphere’s ultimate international prize.
If New Zealand manage to beat Australia with a bonus point, the Springboks have to get a bonus-point win over the Argies to be certain of the crown.
But if the Boks fail to get that extra log point, it will come down to points difference.
If, however, the All Blacks fail to get a bonus point, a win is enough for South Africa to be crowned winners of the 2019 Rugby Championship.
While fans would like nothing more than for their team to be crowned the best in the southern hemisphere, it is not the focus of the team.
According to centre Lukhanyo Am the Springboks’ greatest motivator heading into the clash is preparation for the World Cup, with the
trophy being something of a bonus.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/SanIsidroClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SanIsidroClubin Buenos Aires always provide great training facilities for the #Springboks in Buenos Aires.
Muchas gracias! #boksontour #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/EpRlC6TC8b
— Springboks (@Springboks)
Am explains: “It’s a great opportunity for us to win the Championship, but we don’t want to look too much into it. It’s another Test and we’re building towards the World Cup.”
Argentina will undoubtedly be a tough nut to crack on their home soil, with the Springboks having lost in Mendoza last year.
READY: Mzwandile Stick. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix.
Of what they can expect from their hosts, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says: “It’s going to be a tough game.
“Argentina are a very good side if you look at the balance, they’ve got a good balance.
“They have real physicality in the midfield Jeronimo de la Fuente is one of the best.
“He’s been playing very well in Super Rugby and an experienced guy like [flyhalf Nicolas] Sanchez in their squad, it’s going to be a tough game.
“The other challenge is playing Argentina in Argentina.
“They are very passionate about what they do and very passionate about supporting their country.”