Springboks vs Pumas: Team announcements and match thread.

[Biltong]

First topic message reminder :

Argentinian team news.

Former Stade Francais veteran Roncero, 35, will be winning his 50th cap as he looks to bring down the curtain on his career with this tournament.

Ten of the starters played in the World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand and eight play in France’s Top 14 league.

Racing-Metro fly half Juan Martin Hernandez, who missed the World Cup through injury, will be back as will third rower Juan Fernandez Lobbe, who succeeds dropped Felipe Contepomi as skipper.

Argentina, making their debut in the Southern Hemisphere tournament formerly known as the Tri-Nations, will then go up against Australia and New Zealand.

Argentina team to play South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town Saturday in first round of inaugural Rugby Championship (formerly Tri-Nations):

 

Team:

15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Captain), 7 Alvaro Galindo, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 Rodrigo Roncero

Replacements: 16 Bruno Postiglioni, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19 Tomas Leonardi, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Martin Rodriguez

Springbok team to be announced.
The 25-year-old Steyn, who made his Test debut against Ireland in 2006, will become the 23rd player to reach 50 Test caps for South Africa. He is back at inside centre after missing the third England Test in June because of his own wedding.

Apart from Steyn’s return, two Springboks who have yet to feature this year are also back.

They are lock Andries Bekker and Lwazi Mvovo. Mvovo takes over from the injured JP Pietersen at right wing while Bekker replaces Juandré Kruger in the middle row for his first Test in more than two years.

Keegan Daniel will start his first Test for South Africa and comes in at No 8 for the injured Pierre Spies.

In the only other changes from the team that played England in Port Elizabeth, Willem Alberts returns to flank in the place of Jacques Potgieter, who is on the bench, while Zane Kirchner is back at fullback for Gio Aplon.

In total there are five changes from the team that started in Port Elizabeth. The Springbok team has a combined total of 432 Test caps for this Test – 157 amongst the forwards and 275 for the backs.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer decided to stick with combinations for the Test against Argentina – the front row and loose forwards are from The Sharks, the locks play together for the DHL Stormers and the halfbacks are from the Vodacom Bulls.

“We’ve now been together for the June Tests and have had a good week to prepare, but we are still rather new as a team and it’s good that the players know each other,” said Meyer.

“Andries was always in our plans and it was a setback to lose him in June, while Lwazi has been impressive this year and I know he can fill the huge boots of JP. We’re still a young team when it comes to experience, but this is Test rugby and there is no place to hide.

“The players have been working very hard on the training field and we now need to translate that to the Test. Argentina will be fired up as they are making their debut in The Castle Rugby Championship and we know they will be a tough opponent on Saturday.”

There are two players on the bench that will be making their debut should they get game time – prop Pat Cilliers and utility back JJ Engelbrecht. Pat Lambie is also back on the bench after missing the Test in Port Elizabeth because of an ankle injury.

“We decided to go for these two because of their utility value – Pat Cilliers can scrum on both sides and JJ covers outside centre and wing, which JP Pietersen used to do for us,” said Meyer.

The Springbok team to face Argentina in Cape Town is:

15. Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Blue Bulls) 15 caps
14. Lwazi Mvovo (The Sharks) 4 caps
13. Jean de Villiers (captain, DHL Western Province) 75 caps
12. Frans Steyn (The Sharks) 49 caps
11. Bryan Habana (DHL Western Province) 77 caps
10. Morné Steyn (Vodacom Blue Bulls) 37 caps
9. Francois Hougaard (Vodacom Blue Bulls) 18 caps
8. Keegan Daniel (The Sharks) 3 caps
7. Willem Alberts (The Sharks) 11 caps
6. Marcell Coetzee (The Sharks) 3 caps
5. Andries Bekker (DHL Western Province) 24 caps
4. Eben Etzebeth (DHL Western Province) 3 caps
3. Jannie du Plessis (The Sharks) 33 caps
2. Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain, The Sharks) 45 caps
1. Tendai Mtawarira (The Sharks) 35 caps
Replacements
16. Adriaan Strauss (Toyota FS Cheetahs) 12 caps
17. Pat Cilliers (MTN Golden Lions) uncapped
18. Flip van der Merwe (Vodacom Blue Bulls) 14 caps
19. Jacques Potgieter (Vodacom Blue Bulls) 1 cap
20. Ruan Pienaar (Ulster, Northern Ireland) 54 caps
21. Pat Lambie (The Sharks) 13 caps
22. JJ Engelbrecht (Vodacom Blue Bulls) uncapped

[Taylorman]

I think Aus have enough sufficient depth to win all their remaining games, apart from the All Blacks in New Zealand where they will probably fail to get within 10 points. Aus have the duck over SA and Arg look devoid of ideas after just one game. I'm probably looking forward to the Argies next fixture the most, see if those passionate Argentinians can turn it around.

Agree with disney on this one. Can't see Oz winning in SA at all morgan. Especially without pocock who may be back for it.
SA will see that as a must win match probably more than any other. Oz aren't in a much better position than SA injury wise and with their newer replacements it showed. No joc, in form cooper or beale, their key playmakers are a distant memory.

NZ handled oz fairly well given our own form wasn't the best and oz will struggle big time this week. Can't see any other result than a comfortable win this week with SA also looking to keep the pressure on when oz travel.

Overall, I think deans has lost it, has run out of ideas and is going through the motions. SA on the other hand, despite bumbling away with what they have, are desperate for improvement.

[Morgannwg]

I'm surprised some of you don't think Aus have a chance in SA. When they have the duck over someone it's hard for them to lose to that team. SA will probably be favourites and stand a good chance of winning though. I think Aus rotated just about enough during the Wales tour to give them sufficient injury cover. Hopefully Pocock isn't out for long despite them having a good replacement open-side. He is an inspirational guy, but Genia can be as powerful. I'm unsure whether Aus will go back to being conservative against SA, but the last time they did, it worked. Plus that SA backline is a lot more suited to be dealing with the NZ backs than the Wallabies IMO.

I think I have to agree with you on Deans. He may need to stay out in the wilderness for a while after his tenure with Aus then make a come back. A loss home or away to Arg should be the final nail in his coffin.

[Biltong]

Morgan the results have gone Australia's way, and the luck of the bounce have favoured them in the last two years.

Our points difference for the last 4 years is but a single point.

I can provide you with reasons why we laost three close matches, not as an excuse but to show you how the bounce of the ball can change results.

In 2010, we lead Australia in the last minute, we have possession and go on the pick and drive on the halfway line, the third time we pcik and drive, we get penalised for sealing the ball and Australia gets a penalty that Beale converts.

Last year during the Tri Nations PDV sends a team with 3 regulars to OZ and NZ, OZ wacks us by a cosiderable margin. Then on the return match, We lose 14-9, attacking tem throughout the match without being able to complete a plethora of passes to score a try.

The QF, no need to talk about that.

With Meyer, even though we are missing a hell of a lot of players, the Boks will be better coached, they will execute better and I doub't Australia will beat us in SA, we first travel to Perth where we have been quite successful, and reality is OZ looks to be struggling this year.

I doubt well beat the All BLacks this year, if you don't put out your first choice team you stand little chance, but OZ also has some injuries, which evens things up a bit.

[Morgannwg]

Bilt I understand where you're coming from but Aus won't be going into the game thinking they have the luck of the bounce. In their minds they'll expect to win, and they are hard to beat in those instances. SA probably will beat them in SA, but I think they (aus) still stand a good chance atm. Plus they'll be dangerous after picking up two losses to the Blacks.

An another note, when do fans realisticly feel Deans' time with the Wallabies is up? The end of his contract (whenever that is?), or sooner?

[OzT]

He's looking a bit like Eddie Jones at the end of his tenure, sort of lost and deflated, and I feel yip, time for him to go. Wallabis needs some new ideas and confidence back.

But that's a topic for another post.

[Biltong]

Injury updates for SA.

Bismarck is having an operation tomorrow and will be out for 8 months.

Habana and Bekker as rolled their ankles and will be assessed later in the week for availability

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Jeez Louise, you guys can't seem to catch a break (excuse the pun!). Particularly feel for Bismarck. Not only is he out for 8 months but those medial ligament injuries don't make you the same player when you come back either. Really cruel stuff.

[maestegmafia]

I can provide you with reasons why we laost three close matches, not as an excuse but to show you how the bounce of the ball can change results.

Bil

I don't think you have to tell a Welshman anything about losing close games to the Aussies mate.

We would like to know any tips you guys have on winning those matches though.

[Biltong]

I can provide you with reasons why we laost three close matches, not as an excuse but to show you how the bounce of the ball can change results.

Bil

I don't think you have to tell a Welshman anything about losing close games to the Aussies mate.

We would like to know any tips you guys have on winning those matches though.

Its quite simple really Maes.

Kill them in the forwards like we did in the QF, but execute your moves.

[funnyExiledScot]

I thought it was a pretty efficient performance from SA on Saturday. Good defence, nice increase in intensity when needed and pretty good control throughout.

Argentina were brave and passionate but ultimately need more time (maybe a few years) to get geared up to compete at this level.

I think there's more to come from both sides. SA vs Aus for me will be about 2nd place. Can't see the ABs failing to win the crown this time round. SA vs Aus will no doubt once again come down to whether the Aussies can outsmart the Boks and avoid the arm-wrestle. Under Meyer I think this will be harder for Deans than it was under PDV. On paper the Boks should win - the superiority in the pack is overwhelming.

[Biltong]

I am getting concerned though, first of all the injuries are stacking up and the replacements coming in aren't who I would select.

I am concerned about Keegan Daniel, he disappeared in the test, we need Duane Vermeulen or Jean Deysel there.

I wonder if Lambie is ever going to get time on the field, Meyer doesn't look like he rates the boy, I know he has been injured a lot, but hell his talent is being wasted.

My slogan for this tournament is going to be.

Pass, Jean Pass, don't take a dive!

[Taylorman]

I decided to stay home this weekend and breathe in the two matches as I went out for last weeks, missed the bok live match and had to catch up with both.

So far I'm glad I did and I personally loved that AB performance even though a powerful AB effort was still punctuated by handling errors, a couple more tries at least could have been scored.

Now I've had some sleeps, am up for the bok match and am going to do what morganw did with read, focus on a player or players.

M Steyn is the first as he's central to SAs chances this year. F Steyn is another. I'm suspect about his work rate and under pressure he can go awol but his form has been good so far.


The other I will watch will be jdv to decide whether his presence is really hurting or helping this team

I thought initially he was a must have in the first few tests and still do, but at what cost is his presence.

I need to follow at least one Argie player. Any recommendations as I'm not very knowledgeable about any of them to be honest. At least now that Hernendez is out.

I've decided to focus on the backs because that's more my area of knowledge I'm afraid.

In rambling all that good luck to both sides, particularly Argentina and its fans in their first home match. This is really something many have been waiting for for such a long time.

[Biltong]

You'll see de Villiers make 1 pass that counts and 3 opportunities he should have.

[Taylorman]

Morning biltong. For me the 10, 12, 13 alliance is the central focus of the backs in todays game, wingers not featuring a prominently as previously.

Most breaks and momentum gains generally come through this area so jdv retaining the ball more often than not isnt uncommon and only if there were genuine try scoring or significant yardage gain opportunities should holding the ball be seen a bad thing.

Defensively the three are clearly responsibile as the first line of defence so the two Steyns will be tested here.

[anotherworldofpain]

Crikey, that's the most offensive pair of national anthems I hear in a long time!

[GunsGerms]

CAn see Argentina winning this one.

[mckay1402]

breakdown looks like it's going to be very interesting if Steve Walsh is going to 'ref' it like that. basically do what you want...

[GunsGerms]

Great try

[anotherworldofpain]

What an amazing try! expansive play, off-loading and creative! Now a real test of SA, can they stick to their more structured game? or will they panic in the atmosphere and try to chase it?

[Taylorman]

Wow that was one heck of an effective set of one ups. Where was the bok defence?

[Mad for Chelsea]

Argentina absolutely ferocious so far, SA look all over the place. They need to settle or they'll have a mountain to climb.

[anotherworldofpain]

My doubt about Argentina coming into the RC was if they could bring the passion every week they brought in their more limited number of games in history of professional rugby. They certainly seem to have one extra leg each so far tonight. Will they tire? can they get up to this level every week in their much longer season?

[mckay1402]

I feel that Argentina need to score again to stop SA coming back but if South Africa score next it might be a bad night for Argentina. So far a great game.

[anotherworldofpain]

Steyn picks up where he left off with another miss...surely Meyer must remove him?

[majesticimperialman]

It might not be pritty, but Argentina are atleast winning.

Home advantage might have something to do with it but SA do not look all that comfortable at the moment.

[Taylorman]

Sooner or later SA are going to realise that they need more nouse in the backs to be effective in tests.These days quick ball and smart backs is the only place where genuine space and time can be created.

One ups and grunty forward play alone isn't going to win every time.

SA will find it tough coming back if they don't get a move on.

[TJ1]

Come on Argentina. :-)

[GunsGerms]

Sooner or later SA are going to realise that they need more nouse in the backs to be effective in tests.These days quick ball and smart backs is the only place where genuine space and time can be created.

One ups and grunty forward play alone isn't going to win every time.

SA will find it tough coming back if they don't get a move on.

Agreed

[GunsGerms]

SA miss the likes of Fourie in the midfiled. A bit of spark.

[Mad for Chelsea]

excellent first half for Argentina, their ferocity in the contact area is allowing them to control the breakdown, and they scored a very nice try too.

what have SA got?

[Taylorman]

Meyer will be screaming his nut off right now. He's facing his first loss and his team has been outplayed at their own game and are using the ball better.

Argie will be firing second half with the smell of fear in the air. First ten will tell for SA. They're in DEEP trouble otherwise.

[GunsGerms]

As SA teams go this one is pretty inexperienced, true?

[Biltong]

This is simply pathetic, SA should have realised that Argentina is going to play negatively at the breakdown, get the offload in you bloody idiots, everytime they go into contact they get hit and the Argentinian forwards do their best to slow the ball.

Potgieter is simply just shyte, what the hell he does there hell alone knows, Bekker missed about three tackles in that half.

Get Pienaar on, sack Kirchner and tell De Villiers to bloody well run straight,

Now someone tell me Meyer knows how to select players.

Sure the Boks are trying to run the ball, but shyte their decision making is awful.

They better pull it together, it doesn't help to get frustrated if you allow the Argentinians to slow down your ball, bloody commit more numbers to the flippen ruck then.

And get those damn forwards out of the backline, all they are doing is getting isolated.

[Biltong]

I am convinced we must have the bloody dummest rugby players on the planet.

[anotherworldofpain]

Sooner or later SA are going to realise that they need more nouse in the backs to be effective in tests.These days quick ball and smart backs is the only place where genuine space and time can be created.

One ups and grunty forward play alone isn't going to win every time.

SA will find it tough coming back if they don't get a move on.

My thoughts exactly Taylorman. SA still don't seem to want to move on from 2007/8. I thought PDV was responsible for this relentlessly ineffective game, but I don't seeing the changes from Meyer. Steyn is just a liability now, his first thought is kick it, his second is kick it, and if that doesn't work he resorts to kicking it. The back play is just predictable shovelling nonsense. Behind by more than 6 or 9 SA traditionally struggle because the pressure and power game relies on being close behind and forcing errors. They need to series cranking it up, or find a plan B quickly.

[majesticimperialman]

Biltong.

Do you not think that there is a bit of complacency in the Springbok camp?

And also Argentina are playing the game of their life. They are at home, the first home game in the 4 nations( rugby championship). This is a win, win for Argentia at the moment.

SA do have alot to do in the second half that is for sure.

[GunsGerms]

Argentina Are a good side and they rarely get to play at home. It was always going to be tough.

[Biltong]

Case in point bekker has a 4 on 2 overlap and doesn't pass to the inside.

[disneychilly]

I'm not sure whether to be disappointed in the Springboks' physicality at the breakdown or just blown away by that of the Pumas.

Fantastic handling by Argentina too. You saw that in the earlier game-a lot of work has gone into catching the ball under pressure-getting the ball and the man pretty much the same time running off teammates-and it is really paying off in the Pumas' continuity.

What NZ and Aussie would do would be to break the game down to let their more unorthodox runners break down Argentina's defence. SA are a lot more direct-well that's what Meyer seems to want them to be-and the Pumas' physicality is relishing confronting this attack. Seven points up, I still feel the Boks have a try in them. But if Argentina score next then SA are in real trouble.

[Mad for Chelsea]

better from SA. Great steal from Albacete though, saves a try there.

[Taylorman]

Wow. Good steal but again no numbers to clean argie out. Good run up by SA but finishing again lacking. No x factor play and tough to win without that.

I've a feeling one or two SA players are going to rely on individual brilliance a la habana fashion as I think that's what its going to take...'stuff the plan...I'm going for it'...kind of thing.

[Taylorman]

What is it with meyer and that talking into thing. Its non stop. It can't be instructions to the field as no one can put that many calls onto the pitch effectively. Is it a note taking thing for analysis later?

Man its annoying.

[GunsGerms]

SA tactics are apauling.

[TJ1]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Taylorman]

Wow. Good steal but again no numbers to clean argie out. Good run up by SA but finishing again lacking. No x factor play and tough to win without that.

I've a feeling one or two SA players are going to rely on individual brilliance a la habana fashion as I think that's what its going to take...'stuff the plan...I'm going for it'...kind of thing.

Geez was I right or what!

[disneychilly]

Gutted for Argentina. Great pressure from Steyn. Let's hope their heads don't drop and their fitness is good enough to maintain the pressure.

[GunsGerms]

Why arent SA putting numbers at the breakdown?

[GunsGerms]

Argentina need to believe. They have been the better team today. This is where the memory of having beaten a team before would help you get over the line. As the Argies dont have this to draw on they are going to have to come up with something special.

[ChequeredJersey]

Bosch sounds like he's having a good game. Been following on audio only. Who's been the pick of the players?

[Taylorman]

Why arent SA putting numbers at the breakdown?

Was wondering that myself guns. Its cost them a try against as they didn't even try to slow the argies down and 4 or 5 pick and gos they were in. And they've been turned over by not clearing out.

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