Preview: Springboks vs Argentina

Preview: Springboks vs Argentina

16 Aug 2012

RYAN VREDE analyses the key match ups and picks the winner from the Test at Newlands this weekend.

The Pumas are a breath of fresh air to a competition that had become stale and uninspiring. They also benefit the Springboks in the sense that their involvement eliminates Australia and New Zealand’s travel advantage, which has been the point of much lamentation in the South African rugby fraternity. No more one-Test hit outs for the Wallabies and Blacks in the Republic. Now they will be tested in a manner they are unaccustomed to. This will make for fascinating viewing.

But while the Springboks will privately be thankful for the effect the Pumas’ inclusion will have, their appreciation and hospitality will be reserved for the after-match function. The Springboks will start their campaign with a comfortable victory. Certainly there are areas of their game that continue to be worrying, and we’ll discuss those shortly, but the Pumas don’t have the personnel or tactical intelligence to exploit those areas in a manner that would facilitate a victory.

Their scrum will be imposing but those who believe it will be so dominant that it will be decisive to the outcome are deluded. The Springboks have a world-class front row and their scrum stood up to stern examination against England, widely regarded to be one of the best scrummaging units in the game. Don’t underestimate the influence the Springboks’ scrum coach Pieter de Villiers will have on readying his forwards for this challenge. He is an astute coach whose influence has already been lauded by the coaching staff and players.

It is the only phase of play they may hold an advantage, with the lineouts being dominated by Andries Bekker and co. The Pumas will look to get their powerful maul rolling at every opportunity. Bekker’s reading of the defensive lineouts will be central to ensuring this doesn’t become a point of concern for his side. He needs to assert himself in a manner he hasn’t managed at any stage of his Test career. I have a gut feel he’ll do so, and take the confidence gained from there through the remainder of the tournament. The lineout is also crucial in the context of the Springboks’ attacking game plan. Don’t be surprised if the bulk of the tries they score are birthed from this set piece.

The gainline and breakdown will be hotly contested but bossed by the hosts. Defensively the Springboks are sound and should stifle the Pumas’ advances at the tackle point, making it difficult for them to execute their attacking strategy and nullify the influence of flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez. Furthermore, in Willem Alberts, Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira, Marcell Coetzee and Frans Steyn the Springboks have the strike runners on attack to generate the momentum they need to control the match and provide their halfback pair the space and time they need to execute the tactical kicks that will seek to gain favourable field positions.

Francois Hougaard’s kicking game will again come under intense scrutiny and the Pumas are sure to have analysed the manner in which England pressured him into errors in June. With Heyneke Meyer unconvinced about Hougaard’s ability to improve his tactical kicking to the required standard and leaning towards installing Ruan Pienaar, Hougaard needs a performance that will be rewarded with a stay of execution.

Morné Steyn’s situation is not as desperate but Meyer has noted his poor form of late. Meyer does, however, believe that an extended break for Steyn, his first in three years, will rejuvenate him. I hope he is right because a confident Steyn will be essential to their cause in this tournament.

Overall, the Springboks will lack a little synergy but will still be far too good for the Pumas. The margin will narrow in Mendoza next weekend, though.

VREDE’S CALL: Springboks by 18

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73 Comments

  • 1.Staal: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:32 pm

    Us Dragons gonna walk this.

  • 2.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:33 pm

    May the best Dragon win.

  • 3.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:33 pm

    @Staal-1:

    Only if they are as fast as you Staal.

  • 4.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:34 pm

    fighting for the wooden spoon dragons

    “The Springboks will start their campaign with a comfortable victory.”

    lets hope so

    who is the ref? has he booked his flight and escort to the airport yet?

  • 5.Atlas: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:35 pm

    Glad JJ is in the mix
    Future great I think

  • 6.willievz: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:36 pm

    We need to get a bonus point victory.

    Bonus points, as always, will be crucial in deciding the eventual winner.

  • 7.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:37 pm

    Gold- ……………………………Staal……………………………South Africa. (much boooing). Silver-………………………cane……………..New Zeeeeland……….(much hurray’s).
    Bronze……………………Some drugged up Belerussian…….(more booing).

    ;)

  • 8.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:40 pm

    @poppa69-4:

    Not so sure about the “comfortable win” Popps.

    I smell an upset.

  • 9.Atlas: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:42 pm

    @cane-7:
    Good one

  • 10.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:42 pm

    @cane-8: that was my point,, we know the Argies have had the holder of the cup to rule them all assisting them…

    hence my worries in regards the referee..

    the Sourones will be much vengeful if the hobbitses co conspirators overcome the hordes or orcs..

  • 11.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:45 pm

    why did I ever hire this one?

    The office Quasimodo. But he is useful to use as a step when I need to reach the urinal, and doesn’t even moan when I dribble a bit.

  • 12.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:46 pm

    Paragraph one (1).

    “New Zealand’s travel advantage, which has been the point of much lamentation in the South African rugby fraternity…………………………..”

    Is “lamentation” another word for whine?

    I thought they were little square cakes.

  • 13.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:46 pm

    @trupisero-11: hahaha…nics changed back…viva revolucion!

  • 14.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:48 pm

    @Atlas-9:

    9th Atlas.

    Congratulations on making the final.

    ;)

  • 15.katman: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:49 pm

    Best part about the Argies’ inclusion is the trip to Buenos Aires. Such a cool city – hope the visiting teams get to see a bit of it.

    And, given the huge popularity of teams like the Boks and the AB’s there, wouldn’t it be amazing to try and host a game or two at one of the big football grounds, like Bocca Juniors or River Plate?

  • 16.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:51 pm

    @trupisero-11:

    Who exactly are you dribbling on Trup.

    And from what *******.

  • 17.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:53 pm

    @katman-15: You’ve got some talent here katters

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGAVRQ-Z4pg&feature=share

  • 18.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:53 pm

    ********* = or if ace

  • 19.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:54 pm

    @katman-15: Hey boet, breaking news, Lions out for a year, King in next year.

    Ill send you a Stormers jersey for next season??

    :)

  • 20.Atlas: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:54 pm

    @cane-14:
    It’s just an honour to participate
    :mrgreen:

  • 21.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:54 pm

    @cane-16: was supposed to be a Keo impression but the buggers have changed the nics again :)

  • 22.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 12:56 pm

    @cane-14: @Atlas-20: looks like trupisero is doing the drug testing :D

  • 23.Atlas: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:01 pm

    @poppa69-22:
    God help us all

  • 24.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:04 pm

    @trupisero-21:

    there is always one person left without a chair when the music stops.

    :lol:

  • 25.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:06 pm

    @Atlas-20:

    It’s time Keo “came out” and shelled out a few Medals.
    After heats, semi’s etc.

    Heat One: Stirrer of the last 4 years-
    Lane One……….katman.
    Lane two………..Katman.
    Lane three…….katman.
    Lane4……………katman.
    Lane 5…………katman.
    Lane 6………….katman,
    lane 7 …………dawn.
    lane8…………..katman.
    lane 9…………..vacant.

  • 26.grant100: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:06 pm

    SOURCE
    European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control International Statistics on Crime and Justice, 2011DEFINITION
    Number of sexual assaults recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.Crime Statistics > Rapes (most recent) by country

    # 1 France: 10,277 2009
    Crime in France

    # 2 Germany: 7,292 2009
    Crime in Germany

    # 3 Russia: 6,208 2009
    Crime in Russia

    # 4 Sweden: 4,901 2009
    Crime in Sweden

    # 5 Argentina: 3,276 2008
    Crime in Argentina

    # 6 Belgium: 2,786 2009
    Crime in Belgium

    # 7 Philippines: 2,585 2009
    Crime in Philippines

    # 8 Spain: 2,437 2009
    Crime in Spain

    # 9 Chile: 2,233 2009
    Crime in Chile

    # 10 Lesotho: 1,878 2009
    Crime in Lesotho

    # 11 Poland: 1,611 2009
    Crime in Poland

    # 12 Japan: 1,582 2009
    Crime in Japan

    # 13 New Zealand: 1,308 2009
    Crime in New Zealand

    # 14 Kazakhstan: 1,298 2009
    Crime in Kazakhstan

    # 15 Israel: 1,243 2009
    Crime in Israel

    # 16 Sudan: 1,189 2009
    Crime in Sudan

    # 17 Morocco: 1,130 2009

    # 40 – South Africa ….

    NZ is #2 in crime also! dangerous cannibals!!!

  • 27.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:08 pm

    Stormersboy hitting on Katman.
    Typical gerbil stuffing backspitting stormers supporter.

  • 28.grant100: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:09 pm

    popp69, boet, no means no!!!

  • 29.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:11 pm

    Argentina’s scrum is not what it was in their heyday, SA’s front row will more than cope.

    Henry has spent time trying to make Argentina play an alien running game so I think this will be even easier than expected for SA.

  • 30.WP-Forever: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:11 pm

    They fixed the nics!

    Thank goodness.

  • 31.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:12 pm

    @26
    Why post rape stats?
    Not cool,a tragedy wherever it happens.

  • 32.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:14 pm

    @grant100-26:

    According to your stats grantie…………………………………..the average Frog is sexually assaulted 102 times a year.

    So……… is this assault or culture.

  • 33.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:15 pm

    @grant100-26:
    Why you posting that?
    I have seen a table that you guys would not be proud off but unlike you i wont post it.
    Its all on the internet, we can read.
    I have the 2012 facts, you are so way off its not funny and this is per capita.
    But again no need to post it.

  • 34.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:17 pm

    “”sexual assaults per 100,000 population.

    # 1 France: 10,277 2009

    10.2 million divided by 100 thousand.

    you do the math.

  • 35.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:26 pm

    @cane-34: uhm, they all have 2009 at the end which, if you had a brain bigger than a turltle ****, would realise it is the year….. :)

  • 36.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:26 pm

    A quick Google on this subject shows that it is best left alone.

    Especially by the grant Impostor.

  • 37.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:27 pm

    @trupisero-35:

    Ooops………………………………………………….and here was me thinking of moving to France.

  • 38.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:30 pm

    @trupisero-35:

    ahem

    :lol:

  • 39.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:31 pm

    @cane-36:
    Yeah i think its disgusting someone like this clown Grant can post something like its a competition to see who has the less rapes per year. Does he really find this a win??
    Shows what this guy is all about. In fact it shows that he finds rapes etc a joke.
    Makes you wonder what he does for a job.

  • 40.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:32 pm

    @trupisero-35:
    Does it really matter?
    You have a fckhead of a person on here making a competition out of rapes but you find the time to correct Cane??
    oh boy makes me wonder.

  • 41.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:34 pm

    @Hurricane-39:

    exactly he reminds me of poops.

  • 42.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:37 pm

    @gunther-41: no gunther, if Id posted that you would all have attacked me for it by now… the fact his “stats” are only for “reported cases” is quite sad..

    I can enlighten him if you wish?

  • 43.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:39 pm

    @Hurricane-39: That sicko needs to be plonked down in a room of sexual assault survivors in order to gain some perspective…..

    I always say, a man who makes light of rape, would probably find it easy to rape.

    This Grant100 fellow is critically ill. I hope his passing is quick, for our sake, not his.

  • 44.WP-Forever: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:39 pm

    It’s wonderful that nobody can hide behind fake nics anymore.

  • 45.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:40 pm

    @Hurricane-39: ignore….

    @Hurricane-40: just trying to uplift a keewee in the art of reading and deduction ;)

  • 46.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:41 pm

    @poppa69-42:

    you are both sickos.

  • 47.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:41 pm

    @Hurricane-40: he wasnt correcting Cane, was pointing out grant100s obvious mistake

  • 48.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:42 pm

    @gunther-46: yep, just like you mate, you cant hide your obvious racism gunther, I can see right through you..

  • 49.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:43 pm

    @trupisero-45:
    lol oh is that what is was….my mistake, carry on mate, i also might learn something.

  • 50.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:45 pm

    @gunther-46: thats funny, your countryman posts the stats and you attack me when I never even brooched the subject??

    you keep being the better man gunther, glad to see I can get the g.orilla in the mist once again.. :D

  • 51.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:46 pm

    @Hurricane-49:
    Oh boy, i need typing skills as well.
    ” lol oh is that what is was ”
    Boy is that confusing or what?
    It is suppose to read ” lol oh is that what it is. ”
    or you could go ” lol oh is that what it was. “……..trupisero help with my typing skills please.

  • 52.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:46 pm

    @Hurricane-49: shall we start on the illegal tactics employed by some antipodean teams? Sure Bakkies will be glad to help out.

  • 53.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:47 pm

    @poppa69-48:

    what is racist about calling you out as a sick f.uck who needs help?

  • 54.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:48 pm

    SA kakking in the cricket.

    Time to go do some work. Got some travelling to do tomorrow.

  • 55.WP-Forever: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:49 pm

    @gunther-53:

    At least we now know we’re dealing with the real poppa69.

  • 56.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:50 pm

    The revolution was short but effective at least.

  • 57.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:50 pm

    @gunther-53: yet still, not one word on your countryman who posted the stats..

    hahaha whatafucken hypocrite…

    again, I never made mention of this , yet you feel it necessary to have a dig?

    keep going big boy, you certainly is the man..

  • 58.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:50 pm

    @trupisero-52:
    lol you mean cut and paste Bakkies?
    Bakkies aka record is stuck wait for it, wait for it?
    He has those made up stats on tap. Can turn it on instantly.
    :-)

  • 59.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:51 pm

    @trupisero-54:
    I thought if SA won this game they will be #1 in all forms of cricket. Is that correct?

  • 60.gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:52 pm

    @WP-Forever-55:

    indeed.

    you can smell him from far.

    my work here is done.

  • 61.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:56 pm

    @gunther-60: again

    attacking me for no valid reason, and now your “work” is done hahaha

    whatafckenloser…

    cant admit you got it wrong aye? still havent said a word about your countryman..

    thanks for showing that you are a gutless, spineless w@nker who has an axe to grind…

    run along boy…

  • 62.WP-Forever: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:58 pm

    @Hurricane-59:

    We only need to draw this Test to regain the No. 1 Test ranking.

  • 63.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:59 pm

    @Hurricane-58:
    watch it….

  • 64.WP-Forever: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 13:59 pm

    By the way, I’m WP Till I Die.

    My username’s always been WP-Forever, with my nickname WP Till I Die.

    The only reason I changed my nick to WP Till I Die about six or seven years ago is because Pietman asked me nicely to, since there was already a “wpforever” on the site.

  • 65.grant100: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:00 pm

    i was born & bred in Auckland … learnt the cannibalism lifestyle when i turned 2

  • 66.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:15 pm

    @i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-63:
    :-)

    @grant100-65:
    Whatever.You are just an idiot that no country wants.
    As if anyone on here gives a fck where you were born. Kiwi or South African, still a loser.

  • 67.cane: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:21 pm

    @WP-Forever-64:

    Pietman…………………………………….asked you nicely.

    Pietman……………………………………………….never ever asked nicely.

    ;)

  • 68.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:44 pm

    re nic theft.A vote of thanks to UFO

  • 69.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:45 pm

    @ryecatcher-68:

    Yeah yeah!!!

  • 70.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 14:52 pm

    @WP-Forever-62:

    Welcome! Are you new? ;)

  • 71.Te Rangatira: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 15:01 pm

    @grant100-65:
    Thought you told everyone you were a Sa provincial fly half in the day thats why you appropriated the Grant10 nic…….tossa

  • 72.Blitzbok: Reply to this comment
    16 Aug 2012, 16:58 pm

    The Pumas have a very good strong record against all three nations in the SH! at home they are incredible and they have almost always pushed us in SA. in fact it was theie fitness that saw them lose in 08 not because the boks were better coz we were shown up badly. i think that will be the same thing here. fitnes will be their biggest issue but they will finish on home soil so that wont help australia and new zealand. i will be surprised if they finish bottom of the championship. i just hope the trend of increased ref interference doesnt hamper the tourny. the pumas were robbed in the world cup against new zealand and if they can not lose a lot of players to injuries then i think they can realistically hope to do well. they have a way better scrum than ours and are much better at the breakdown. they are better on defence i think as well and are solid tactical kickers. big, physical and great in the set piece they wont be pushed over at all. our only edge is speed and better play in the backs. or locks are kak and our front row okay, our loosies not good at all. our pack will be bettered for certain.

  • 73.Hondo: Reply to this comment
    17 Aug 2012, 02:12 am

    The odds on the Boks to win are 1:9!
    And it has not been affected by the extraordinary test capabilities of Kirchner and Mvovo, it merely confirmed that Steve Walsh is on the taking and SARU put some small fortune into his off shore
    But there will be plenty of great moments, and there will be few Boks injuries too
    :(

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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