Springboks must tame Argentina's wild side

19 August 2016 - 09:40 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

August 8 2015 is a date that will live in infamy in the minds of many Springbok supporters. Though the 37-25 defeat to Argentina was unexpected, the close nature of results in the past three seasons opened up the possibility of a shock result.The Boks may have beaten the Pumas twice since that demeaning evening, but tomorrow's game at the Mbombela Stadium will be an indication of whether lessons were learnt from last year and the Ireland series.Ball-carrying position:The Pumas thrive on chop tackles and making a mess of the breakdown, which will ask questions of how the Boks intend on taking the ball into contact. Ireland feasted on South Africa's inability to go lower when carrying the ball and effected numerous turnovers. Like the All Blacks, the Pumas operate on the fringes of the law. It is that lack of structure that often frustrates the Boks but there is always method to Argentina's madness.Correct scrumming:After his forgettable duel with veteran Pumas loosehead prop Marcos Ayerza, Bok tighthead Vincent Koch was never the same. He is still in the Bok setup, even though Lions powerhouse Julian Redelinghuys will start. There were massive issues with the legality of Ayerza's scrumming and the set piece will come under scrutiny from New Zealand official Glen Jackson.Defining moment for Teboho Mohoje:Mohoje's season has been defined by injuries and playing in a deficient team that has undermined his own form. There would have been clamours for Pieter-Steph du Toit to start ahead of him but he offers a calmer and better rugby brain. All of that will count for nothing if he does not leave a physical mark against the Pumas. He plays on the blindside flank that coach Allister Coetzee has not adequately filled.Tactical kicking:This was an area that was badly exposed by Juan Imhoff and Joaquin Tuculet at Kings Park last year. It also fell short against Ireland, even though there were improvements made by Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk in the Super rugby play-offs. With Johan Goosen's inclusion at fullback, there is the much-needed right foot option from a flyhalf- minded No15. The Boks showed an appreciation of space in the last two Tests against Ireland. If they play in the right areas, they could be a handful.Last chance saloon for Damian de Allende:De Allende will need two outstanding performances to justify a place for the All Black and Wallaby Test matches. The coaches are on his side but faith has to be rewarded with positivity...

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