High praise for Bok bench

The massive impact of the Springbok replacements was one of the most impressive aspects of their crushing victory over Argentina.

Coach Heyneke Meyer's team scored nine tries in their comprehensive 73-13 victory over the Pumas, and Meyer was encouraged by the fact that they scored four of their tries in the last 20 minutes of the match.

“The great thing about this team is that we are growing and the bench was great when they came on.

“Usually when you bring your bench on play gets loose but they were awesome with a new captain with 25 minutes left in the match," he said.

The match was played as part of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day in recognition of the former president's contribution to sport in South Africa.

The majority of the crowd that watched Bafana Bafana beat Burkina Faso 2-0 earlier in the day stayed behind for the rugby game.

“I said to the players that I really wanted a special performance, it is a big occasion and we want to make Madiba and our country proud,” Meyer said.

“The main thing was that there were a lot of supporters here that probably haven't seen the Boks play and [are] mainly soccer supporters.” While Meyer was pleased with his side's performance, he felt they could have added more points to the score, but his charges failed to convert all their opportunities.

“We need to be humble and I am actually quite cross about that last try, but it was a clinical performance and I am proud to be a South African,” he said.

“The first half was an arm wrestle, they were really physical and, the same with us, we couldn't get quick ball.

“That was a problem against them last year, but there were two or three tries lying around.”

Springbok stalwart Du Preez made a successful return for South Africa after an absence of a year-and-a-half without any evidence a drop in form.

He only featured in 25 minutes of the match, but his seamless return would have answered any questions Meyer may have had about his form.