The tournament this season is looking like a genuine competition going into round three
Lukhanyo Am attempts to get past David Havili of New Zealand during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday. Picture: BACKPAGEPIX/SHAUN ROY
Argentina, so often the tournament whipping boys, top the standings after thrashing Australia two weeks ago but face a tough clash against the All Blacks, who revived their season with an impressive victory over SA last time out. “It’s a strange one, it’s not that we underestimate them or treat them differently to New Zealand,” lock Lood de Jager said. “Maybe it is the style of play, but we have an opportunity to not look back in history, but rather look forward and do something that not a lot of Springbok teams have managed in the past.”
“They’ve got a good kicking game and a good defence and we’ve got to win that aerial battle,” coach Dave Rennie said. “It’s a massive game for us … the Rugby Championship is pretty even and we need to stay in the fight.”