Springboks vs Argentina Siya Kolisi

Argentina wing Sebastian Cancelliere (R) tackles South Africa flanker Siya Kolisi (C) during the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup warm-up test match between South Africa and Argentina at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on August 17, 2019. (Photo by Christiaan Kotze / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Springboks key to victory on Saturday night is clear

The Springboks are eager to make a strong start to their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

Springboks vs Argentina Siya Kolisi

Argentina wing Sebastian Cancelliere (R) tackles South Africa flanker Siya Kolisi (C) during the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup warm-up test match between South Africa and Argentina at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on August 17, 2019. (Photo by Christiaan Kotze / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Springboks are eager to make a strong start to their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

Against every opponent they have faced so far this term the Springboks have endured at least one bad start and all too often have left the ‘Bomb squad’ too much to do.

The Rugby Championship LIVE scores: Argentina vs South Africa

The key to victory for the Springboks

There are strong indicators that the Springboks intend to play an upbeat and dynamic game from the outset.

Rugby Championship Springboks
The 2022 Rugby Championship. Photo: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Firstly they have retained the halfback axis of Damian Willemse and Jaden Hendrikse a pairing that can hardly be described as risk averse.

Retaining Malcolm Marx up front ensures that the Springboks effectively have an extra fetcher which they are likely to need considering a loose trio formed by skipper Siya Kolisi and brutes Jasper Wiese and Franco Mostert will be out to impact the breakdown with raw power rather than mobility.

The Springboks are eager to overwhelm and demoralise Argentina to allow them to notch the bonus point win they need to keep the pressure on New Zealand.

Kolisi feels that extra time taken to acclimate to Argentina will help the team hit the ground running.

“It helped a lot in our preparation that we could adapt to the conditions and time zone in Argentina over an extended time and also to have time to explore and experience the similarities between South Africa and Argentina,” said Kolisi.

“We are expecting a tough battle against the hosts, and we know have to bring as much intensity as possible from the outset because they start games strongly.”

Kolisi added: “We had a good week-and-a-half of training and a few days off as well last week, so we are looking forward to the clash.”

Pumas cannot be taken lightly

The Springboks are targeting a big win but equally are aware that Argentina have beaten both Australia and New Zealand already in this campaign, and pose a very real threat.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said: “Argentinean people are very passionate about their country, and there is a lot of motivation around what they do. They also play for their supporters so we know that if we don’t pitch up on the day we can get punished. We saw what they did against Australia.

“There are no easy games in this competition, so we must be switched on. They selected a strong team, and we know what we have to be prepared for.”