VIDEO: Los Pumas give Boks something to think about
SPOTLIGHT: Argentina might still be one of the most inconsistent sides in the game, but they have more than enough in the tank to upset the Boks in Santiago del Estero.
The Springboks will travel to Argentina for the next leg of their Rugby Championship campaign after four wins from four matches.
The Argentinians will enter that match on September 21 with two wins in the tournament and they are coming off a 67-27 victory over the Wallabies in Santa Fe.
Their other victory came opening round and it was a big one as they upset the All Blacks 38-30 in Wellington.
In between those victories were a couple of disappointing performances by the Argentinians, but Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says his team is wary of Felipe Contepomi’s side.
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“The Rugby Championship is not done yet,” the double World Cup-winning lock told reporters at a media event in Cape Town this week.
“That is another trophy we would love to win and we all saw Argentina’s form.
“It is not going to be easy, but four wins from four made it easier for ourselves to maybe go on and clinch that [trophy].
“Argentina is still a big boundary ahead of us and you don’t see the Wallabies getting 60 [points] against them very often.
“It just shows you the quality that Argentina have.
“Beating New Zealand in New Zealand was a big result for them, but we have to get together soon and focus on the next challenge which is two games against Argentina.”
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Despite winning back-to-back World Cups and being on the verge of winning this year’s Rugby Championship, Etzebeth said the motivation to do well in the Bok jersey is stronger than ever.
“I think it is quite easy when you get selected for the Boks. That is the motivation you need,” he explained.
“When you put on that jersey and you realise how special that environment is, you don’t want to give it up to anyone else.
“That drives all of us and it keeps us motivated on the field.
“You want to keep on performing and you want to be playing the following week.”
@rugby365com
