South Africa vs Argentina Preview & Tips - Changes could cost Springboks

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Aug 2021

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Ralph Staniforth 13 Aug 2021

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South Africa vs Argentina predictions for Saturday’s Rugby Championship fixture
Match is being played at 16:00 BST at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Argentina are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 matches
Preview, tips, stats & team news

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South Africa vs Argentina rugby championship

Argentina can get close against weakened Springboks (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Argentina Preview & Tips

The Springboks have rested a 10 players from last week. This could cost them against a very good and very motivated Los Pumas.

South Africa vs Argentina Preview & Tips
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Argentina Form
Argentina Team News
South Africa vs Argentina FAQ

South Africa have made 10 changes to their strongest side.
Argentina are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 matches.
Argentina lost by 6 points in their last match against South Africa.

Head to Head

South Africa have won eight of their last 10 matches against Argentina. They last met at Loftus Versfeld in 2019 where South Africa won 24-18.

South Africa Form

South Africa are six points clear at the top of the Rugby World Rankings. This only increased after their recent 2-1 series success against the British & Irish Lions.

After not playing in the Rugby Championship in 2020 due to COVID-19, South Africa entered the Lions tour having only played once since winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It proved enough despite losing the 1st Test 22-17 in Cape Town.

The Springboks bounced back to win the 2nd Test 27-9. They then went on to win a nail-biting 3rd Test 19-16, also at the Cape Town Stadium. Argentina will pose a different threat especially with the Springboks coming off such a high last weekend.

South Africa Team News

Jacques Nienaber has made 10 changes to the starting lineup that defeated the B+I Lions in the 3rd Test last Saturday.

Only captain Siya Kolisi, locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, eighth-man Jasper Wiese and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach remain in the side.

Joseph Dweba will make his debut at hooker. The selection is mainly to give players rest after playing three grueling Test matches against the touring Lions.

Argentina Form

Argentina will be full of confidence coming into the Rugby Championship and will want to build on their performances from last year.

Last season the tournament was held entirely in Australia. There Argentina managed two draws against the hosts and got their first ever victory over the All Blacks.

Since then Argentina have played only three matches, all of which took place in July 2021. Los Pumas defeated Romania 24-17 away before going on to face Wales in a two-Test series.

Again, Argentina impressed, drawing 20-20 in the 1st Test and beating Wales 33-11 in the second. It was largely a second string Wales side due to the top players being with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa.

Argentina Team News

Argentina have a full strength lineup available. All their star players such as Matias Moroni, Nicolas Sanchez, Julian Montoya and Pablo Matera will start this match.

South Africa vs Argentina FAQ

Where can I watch South Africa vs Argentina live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch South Africa vs Argentina live stream.

Verdict

South Africa v Argentina

South Africa have made 10 changes to their side that beat the B+I Lions last weekend. Coming off that high could be tough so the value is on Argentina to finish within nine points. An upset win for Los Pumas is quite possible.