Video: Rassie's big gamble

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the decision to travel to Argentina a day later is a calculated risk.

South Africa collected five valuable points with their 34-21 win over Argentina in Durban at the weekend, but face a much tougher challenge when they take on Los Pumas in the return fixture in Mendoza this coming Saturday.

Erasmus spoke of a “massive physical onslaught” from the Argentinian outfit in the wake of his team’s dominance in the tournament opener.

“I know they’re fuming and [and looking] the get us back [take revenge] in Mendoza,” the coach said, adding that it is going to be a “helluva battle”.

However, it is the decision to depart South Africa a day later than Los Pumas that raised some eyebrows.

The Boks left for Buenos Aires – their training base – only on Monday and by Friday they travel to Mendoza.

“We’re travelling a day later than them, which has some benefits for us,” Erasmus said, adding that there are “valid reasons” for taking the risk.

“It gives us another day to analyse [the past weekend’s game] – to make sure we get the right guys on the park, in terms of our team selection, to do video sessions, do our reviews and have our one-on-one sessions with the players.

“We’ll utilize that [extra day at home] well.

“As desperate as they’re going to be to try and turn it around, we’re as desperate to try and get a win there [Mendoza].

“It’s going to be a massive clash.”

The coach spoke of the value of an extra day of recovery at home.

“I think Sunday will benefit us in a few ways. It is the recovery aspect.

“We can do a lot of reviewing and make sure when we get into the plane on Monday we are well prepared.

“If we got on the plane Sunday evening, I think the recovery would have been tougher.

“We are going to get some jet lag issues in terms of the time zones.

“Without a doubt that will bite us, but in terms of recovery it’s going to benefit us.”

@rugby365com