Kolisi

Siya Kolisi with fans in Argentina. Photo: Twitter

WATCH: Special scenes as Kolisi finds fans in Argentina

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been warmly welcomed in Argentina as he spent some time watching a club game this past weekend.

Kolisi

Siya Kolisi with fans in Argentina. Photo: Twitter

The Springboks are in Argentina for the first of two Rugby Championship games, but before that crucial fortnight of action, captain Siya Kolisi and teammate Damian Willemse were warmly welcomed at the San Isidro Club.

READ | BOK NEWCOMER SET FOR BIG OPPORTUNITY AT EXPENSE OF VERMEULEN?

Footage has emerged showing Kolisi spending time with fans, who were in full voice as they sang and danced in traditional Argentine fashion. The Bok captain can be seen smiling and getting the crowd going as he joined in.

You can watch the clip with Kolisi below:

Meanwhile, with two rounds to go and a log-jam at the top of the standings, the Rugby Championship is likely to go down to the wire.

The Springboks, Australia and Argentina are all tied on nine log points after their opening four matches of the tournament, with South Africa in second place due to their favourable points’ difference, while New Zealand are one log point ahead on 10 points.

READ | SPRINGBOKS CRUSH AUSTRALIA TO GET BACK INTO RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Given this log jam, the competition title race remains wide open with two rounds to play.

With the Boks back at training since Wednesday after enjoying two days off earlier this week following their 24-8 victory against the Wallabies in Sydney, Makazole Mapimpi said they were raring to go for the challenge next week at Estadio José Amalfitani.

“Argentina are a good team with quality players and they have several experienced players – some of whom we have been playing against for a few years now,” said Mapimpi.

“We know the intensity and physicality with which the All Blacks play after seeing their result against New Zealand last week, and Argentina were on the same level against them in their first Test match (which Argentina won 25-18).

“So, we are really looking forward to playing against Los Pumas next week.”

READ | WHO IS IN CHARGE OF BOKS’ ATTACK? RASSIE ANSWERS EX-PLAYER

Mapimpi drew confidence from the Springboks’ victory against the Wallabies last week and he emphasised the importance of using their point-scoring chances when they arise as they target back-to-back victories against Argentina to keep alive their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship.

“It was a good thing to be able to do what we enjoy doing, and especially to score tries when we had the opportunities,” said Mapimpi.

“It was really great for us as a team to bounce back from the previous game (against Australia – which the Springboks lost 25-17). And personally, it was a nice feeling to score a try.”

Mapimpi added: “It is vital to score tries when we have the opportunity to play, so we have to focus on ensuring that we finish our chances next week.”

The match kicks off at 16h10 (21h10 SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The Springboks will return to South Africa after the match for the closing clash of their campaign, against the Pumas at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, 24 September (kick-off 17h05).