South Africa vs Argentina Predictions - Springboks set to dominate Los Pumas

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 26 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 26 Sep 2024

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Argentina defeated South Africa last weekend.
South Africa needs just one point to secure the Rugby Championship title.
The Springboks are fielding their first-choice players for this match.

Expired

South Africa can bounce back with a win at home (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Argentina Preview

Argentina caused a major upset by beating South Africa at home last weekend. This time around, in South Africa the Springboks have selected all their first-choice players again. I am backing the hosts to win this one comfortably.

South Africa vs Argentina Preview
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Injuries & Team News
Argentina Form
Argentina Injuries & Team News

South Africa have won 8 of their last 9 matches against Argentina.
South Africa have won 16 of their last 19 matches.
South Africa have won their last 8 home matches against Argentina.
Argentina have won 3 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

The Springboks have won eight of their last nine fixtures against Los Pumas. The only win Argentina have in that span is the one-point success from last weekend.

South Africa Form

South Africa need just a point from this final game on home soil to secure their first Rugby Championship title since 2019. They have won four of their five games to date.

Ther Springboks and world champions have been in great form for a couple of years now and have only lost twice this year. They beat Australia comfortably in the first two rounds before returning home to defeat New Zealand on consecutive weekends.

However, last week, the South African side came unstuck in Argentina, losing 29-28. The Springboks should have won the game, particularly with an easy penalty to win at a the end.

South Africa Injuries & Team News

Rassie Erasmus has made wholesale changes to the side as all the first-choice players return. After much criticism for a missed penalty last weekend, Manie Libbok gets the backing from the coaches with a start in Nelspruit.

Eben Etzebeth will become the most capped Springbok when he runs onto the field on Saturday.

Argentina Form

Argentina are making some top sides sit up and take note of them this year with some stellar performances. After beating New Zealand away in round one, Argentina lost to the All Blacks and then suffered another defeat at home to Australia.

However, Los Pumas put up a record score against the Wallabies a week later, and last weekend beat South Africa 29-28 at home to keep their title hopes alive.

While unlikely, Los Pumas can still win the trophy with a bonus point win and by keeping South Africa from getting any losing bonus points. Last week’s victory will give the Argentines some confidence, but this will be a very tough challenge for them.

Argentina Injuries & Team News

Having traveled extensively this week, it will be a major surprise if Argentina don’t make a few changes.

Verdict

South Africa v Argentina

After a disappointing loss to Argentina, South Africa are back home this weekend and have selected a full-strength side. I expect the hosts to cover the -18 handicap.