Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has cautioned against underestimating the powerful Pumas side ahead of the re-match of last year's World Cup semi-final.
The Boks and Argentina clash tomorrow at Coca-Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park) as part of a week long tribute to Nelson Mandela and the contribution he has made to South African rugby.
"Those who anticipate a routine walkthrough ahead of the home leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations are severely mistaken," the Bok mentor said. "If you look closely at this Pumas side, it's full of quality, especially in the pack. We are in for a real test tomorrow."De Villiers made mention of ! the fact that the Pumas forwards contain five members (four started) from their team that contested the RWC semi-final with the Boks.
"They are a very experienced unit, renowned as probably the finest scrummagers in the game. The key pillars of their line-out, hooker Mario Ledesma and lock Patricio Albacete, remain from the World Cup. They will contest the set piece very ably."
De Villiers also respects the direction the experienced Felipe Contepomi will provide from flyhalf. The Argentine captain, an international veteran with over 60 caps for the Pumas, starred in the World Cup in the No 12 jersey.
"Contepomi is a world-class player with a very accurate boot. We know his strengths and it will be up to us to try and contain him. He showed at the World Cup how dangerous he can be, both through his boot and with ball in hand."
The clash between the IRB's first and fourth ranked teams promises to be a fitting culmination of the week! -long tribute to Madiba. The Boks visited the former President! in his Houghton home earlier this week, and conducted a coaching clinic in Soweto on Wednesday for 300 local schoolchildren in his honour.
Issued by SA Rugby
