Sports Desk Reporter
The Springboks expect another bruising battle when they face Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Forwards Elrigh Louw, Cobus Wiese and Zachary Porthen said they are ready to play their part against Los Pumas.
South Africa return to Argentina for the first time since suffering a narrow 29 to 28 defeat in Santiago del Estero in 2024. Louw said the squad had learned valuable lessons from that encounter.
He added that the players understood the challenge awaiting them.
“Argentina is a real quality side, and we learned our lessons from the last time we played here,” said Louw.
“We lost that game in 2024, so the focus for me is on doing my job and ensuring that we match their physicality. We have prepared well this week.”
Louw also reflected on his return to the national squad after recovering from a serious knee injury that ruled him out for an extended period last year.
“It was quite a big injury, and it was devastating at the time,” he said.
“Fortunately, I had a lot of support from my family and the medical staff during my rehabilitation. The motivation to return to the Springbok squad kept me working hard and playing rugby to the best of my ability.”
Porthen, who made his Springbok debut late last year, is preparing for his first Test in Argentina. The tighthead prop said he wanted to make an impact in the scrums against the home side.
“Personally, the biggest place I want to get my foot in the ground is at scrum time,” said Porthen.
“Being a tighthead prop, I’m hoping to enforce myself there and keep improving day by day.”
Wiese said the work ethic he developed growing up on a farm had helped shape his approach to rugby. He added that experienced lock Eben Etzebeth continued to set the standard within the squad.
“I don’t want to take the farm boy thing totally out of proportion, but growing up on a farm, you work until the work is done,” said Wiese.
“There’s no quitting, and there’s a sense of responsibility. It probably moulded me more as a person than as a player.”
Speaking about Etzebeth, Wiese said the veteran’s commitment inspired those around him.
“Every time Eben puts a rugby jersey over his head, he’s hungry and prepared to work incredibly hard,” he said.
“He’s been here 141 times and gives the guys around him so much confidence. If we can follow his example, I think the team will be ready.”
The Test kicks off at 21:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.