rather 'expected' loss have been dominating both print and online
media.
To be honest, the Springboks played second fiddle to a rejuvenated
Argentina side and could have easily lost the game had injuries not
plagued Los Pumas in the second half.
Buoyed by their multitudes in Salta, the Puma played with much
positive energy and hunger. Star fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, the leading
points scorer at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, was impeccable.
Many Boks fans thought they would leave it until late to catapult
another win like they did in Mbombela but dololo.
Perhaps the Springboks talking point should about that crucial fly
half position. Elton Jantjies was in the news all week for not
delivering. But he started the game and was replaced by veteran Morne
Steyn whose kicking game also left a lot to be desired.
The Pumas were supreme when it came to attacking flair and innovation
against a Bok team that still looks like it is between games – much
like the Stormers appeared to be for much of Coetzee's reign at the
Cape franchise – and it wouldn't have come as any surprise that they
scored the first try off a move that started deep inside their own
half. Fullback Joaquin Tuculet was the man who rounded it off.
The Bok defence was one of several areas where they were found
wanting, and too frequently the Pumas were able to ghost through gaps
that shouldn't have been there.
After claiming the Bledisloe Cup courtesy of two emphatic wins over
Tasmanian rivals Australia, the All Blacks now comfortably seat at the
top of the Rugby Championship with 10 points. Both South Africa and
Argentina are second on 5 points each while the Wallabies anchor the
standings without any points on the board.
The next round of matches is on the 10th of September when the Boks
visit Brisbane while New Zealand host Argentina.
