Canan Moodie says the Springboks took exactly what they needed from the 17-10 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires, with the match serving as a crucial preparation platform ahead of the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
The squad returned to South Africa in two groups on Monday night and Tuesday, completing gym flush-out sessions before the full training camp — including players who remained at home during the Argentina trip — reconvenes in Johannesburg on Friday and Saturday.
For Moodie, who wore the 13 jersey in Buenos Aires, the value of the Argentina Test extended beyond the result. Several players were returning from extended injury absences, among them Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Siya Kolisi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg, and the 80 minutes of match time was critical to their preparation.
"A lot of the boys who returned from injuries aren't quite match-fit yet, so getting 80 minutes was very important," Moodie said. "It wasn't easy, but the guys showed a lot of character, and hopefully we can carry that into the next Test series."
Moodie also highlighted the mental conditioning value of performing in a hostile environment. "It took a lot of character, but our systems were there backing us against the fatigue, their long kicking game, and a hostile crowd, and that worked out for us."
He noted that New Zealand have already faced the Stormers and the Sharks during their tour lead-in, giving the Springbok camp footage to analyse. "We'll be dialled into what they're doing, and preparing as best we can," he said.
The RGR series opens at Ellis Park on August 22, followed by DHL Stadium on August 29, FNB Stadium on September 5, and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 12.