Elrigh Louw, Cobus Wiese and Zachary Porthen have spoken candidly about the challenge the Springboks expect when they face Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani on Saturday (21h10, SuperSport).
Louw, returning from a serious knee injury that kept him out for an extended period in 2024, draws directly on the Boks' 29-28 defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero last year as the primary reference point for Saturday's assignment. 'Argentina is a real quality side, and we learned our lessons from the last time we played here,' he said. 'The focus for me is on doing my job and ensuring that we match their physicality.'
Porthen, who made his Test debut late last year, will be facing Argentina for the first time. The former Junior Springbok captain has set his sights on the scrum as his primary battleground. 'Being a tighthead prop, I'm just hoping I can try and enforce a bit there and keep improving day by day at scrum time,' he said.
Wiese, meanwhile, pointed to the influence of Eben Etzebeth — making his first Test appearance of the season this weekend — as a significant factor in the squad's preparation. 'Every time Eben puts a rugby jersey over his head he's hungry and prepared to work incredibly hard. He's been here 141 times and he gives the guys around him so much confidence,' said Wiese. 'If you can pick players' such as his brains in your preparation, then it's a case of going out on Saturday and just expressing yourself.'