By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has issued a warning to his side that the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title isn’t a given as they prepare to face a “hostile” Los Pumas side.
Springboks departed for Argentina on Saturday afternoon ready for a battle of epic proportions next weekend against their Rugby Championship title opponents, Argentina, in Santiago del Estero.
A win for Springboks will clinch their first Rugby Championship title since 2019.
The Boks enter the match as the only unbeaten team in the competition, needing three more log points from their next two matches against Los Pumas to seal the title but Erasmus refused to write off the hosts, who defeated New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament and registered a 67-27 win against Australia last week to stay in the title race.
“It doesn’t matter how one looks at it – we don’t want to lose against Argentina, and it’s exactly the same for them,” said Erasmus.
“They must firmly believe they are still in the running for the trophy, so whether we win, or they win, both teams will be very hungry.”
“It’s definitely hostile over there, but we don’t find them to be hostile in terms of fear, but rather passionate fans enjoying supporting their team,” said Erasmus.
“They have a few legends there, and they are a well-coached team that beat the All Blacks and registered the biggest score ever over Australia, so in their hearts we have no doubt they’ll believe they can beat us.”
Erasmus added: “I think it will come down to preparation, who pitches up the best on the day, and which side is the most desperate because I don’t think there’s much separating the teams.”
The Bok coach was delighted to have two days with the team in Stellenbosch to get them into the right mindset for the challenge ahead and for the coaches to put the groundwork in place for the encounter.
The teams will meet again at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday 28 September in the closing match of the tournament, where the winner of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship will be crowned.