Jaguares test excites Ndungane

The Jaguares beat the Cheetahs 34-33 in their first-ever Super Rugby match in Bloemfontein last Friday and Ndungane admits it will be tough to beat them.

"After watching them in the World Cup and in the Rugby Championship, it's definitely going to be a tough, physical and fast game, " said Ndungane. 

"I watched them against the Cheetahs and they are team that throws the ball around. You have to be really tight against them – you can't give them a sniff or they will punish you.

"We are definitely looking forward to that challenge. Playing against a team from Argentina is always going to be special. I am sure it will be tough and enjoyable."

The Sharks started their campaign with a 43-8 win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth and while the result was a good one for the Durban-based franchise, Ndungane feels that they need to improve certain aspects of their game. 

"It was definitely a good start. We worked pretty hard in the months prior to that first game," said Ndungane, who scored two tries on Saturday. 

"We are happy with the result – to get six tries in Port Elizabeth is never easy. 

"We won't get carried away with that result, because it was the first game. There are still a few things we need to work on so we are looking to improve each week."

The 35-year-old Springbok said their successful pre-season tour to France last month gave them a lot of confidence heading into Super Rugby, but were well aware that  tournament matches are very different in terms of intensity.

"We played Toulon and Toulouse and they pose a different threat. We knew it was not Super Rugby but it was a good test for us and getting two victories in France is never easy.

"I think that gave us a lot of confidence. However, for Super Rugby we knew we had to give it that one step up. 

"It was no different in PE – the bodies are feeling it and that was to be expected. I'm sure this coming weekend it won't be any different," he said.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com