News

Expect bruises but no surprises

August 06 2008

After three weeks off, South Africa need a good workout to get themselves contact-fit for the pivotal Tri-Nations clash against New Zealand on August 16, and that's exactly what they'll get against Argentina according to skipper Victor Matfield.

The Pumas are not exactly match-fit themselves, with many of the squad still officially on holiday from their European clubs and seasons, and furthermore several of them will be playing under the ELVs for the first time.

The new laws could effectively remove one of Argentina's main weapons, the rolling maul, from their arsenal, with a collapse of the maul now legal, but the drives and charges will be as tough as ever.

"They are very physical up front. They like the rolling maul and the "pick 'n go," Matfield said to South African broadcaster Supersport.

"The new laws could make the rolling maul a little more difficult for them.

"(But) they're a top team. They showed that when they reached the World Cup semi-finals last year.

"It's going to be a good, physical battle. It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to focus on our own game and to work at the little things that we're still not doing right."

Coach Peter de Villiers said he expected more of the same from the Pumas, whose territorial tactics took them to a World Cup semi-final, but have struggled since the departure of coach Marcelo Loffreda and several of the more experienced players due to retirement.

"Show me a team that did not over-use tactical kicking," De Villiers said.

"It was the flavour of the month. At the World Cup, everyone kicked a lot.

"They (Argentina) were merely one of the teams that used those tactics. Under the circumstances, South Africa were among the best when it came down to tactical kicking."

De Villiers is confident that he has the players to stand up to an onslaught of that nature.

"We have Fourie du Preez back in the team. He is a great asset in that respect," he said.