'A lot of lessons': Bok players on where it all went wrong in Santiago del Estero
SPOTLIGHT: There will be plenty of work-ons for the Springboks in training this week as they look to right the wrongs after their defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
Felipe Contepomi’s side ended South Africa’s unbeaten run with a thrilling 29-28 win in their Rugby Championship clash at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades.
Replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok missed a penalty goal attempt from 35 metres in the last minute which would have secured the title for South Africa, who had won their four previous matches.
However, there were areas of concern in the Boks’ game throughout the 80 minutes, which need to be addressed ahead of the final-round clash against the same opponents at Mbombela Stadium.
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“I think our line-outs didn’t function well, so that is one aspect of the game,” said Bok fullback Aphelele Fassi.
“They had a sniff once or twice in those wide breakdowns and at crucial times you just need to take your opportunities.
“Those are the areas we will have a look at and we will get some feedback from the coaches.”
The Springboks raced to a 17-0 in the opening 12 minutes before they started to crumble on the field.
“The first few minutes of the game we really executed well,” said Bok No.8 Elrigh Louw.
“We forced our game on them and then with simple errors and slipped tackles, we let them back in and with the crowd behind them, you don’t want that.
“I think we learnt a lot of lessons that we will take into the next match.”
The Springboks have a five-point lead over Argentina in the Rugby Championship standings ahead of Saturday’s final clash at Mbombela Stadium.
“Lifting the cup [Rugby Championship] would be awesome for me,” said Louw.
“It’s not something I thought I would be able to do and it is one game away so I am very motivated.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
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