Following a 32-19 victory for Argentina over South Africa in their Rugby Championship game, here’s our five takeaways from the Mendoza clash.
Nicolas Sanchez the star: A full house for the Pumas fly-half as he scored a try, conversion, penalty and drop-goal in Mendoza. The latter score was crucial on 36 minutes as with nothing on, he sat back from 40 metres out to move his side into a 27-7 lead. While Handre Pollard had troubles again off the tee, Sanchez led with authority and was the catalyst of all that was good about Argentina’s much improved display.
Argentina addressed and fixed their problems: Physically in Durban the Pumas were bullied up front and they admitted to that following the 34-21 defeat. It’s clear they were using it as ammunition during this week and certainly banished a few demons from that Kings Park loss in Mendoza on Saturday. Their pack was much more reliable at the set-piece while in contact they never took a backward step, with the Boks visibly stunned at how they were not getting things their own way just one week on. Now they must bottle this performance for September 8 and beyond.
Steven Kitshoff shines again: It was noticeable yet again that Kitshoff made a significant impact to the Springboks’ game when he came on at the break. Lovely touches with ball in hand sees him fix defenders and with a solid set-piece to boot, the Stormers loosehead continues to push for a starting spot. He was also unlucky not to claim a try due to crawling for the line – a score he would have richly deserved.
It’s now New Zealand’s to lose: Before this game the masses had expected South Africa to be either level or one point behind New Zealand on the standings, thus setting up crucial games in Rounds 4 and possibly 6. Now, however, this year’s Rugby Championship looks like being the All Blacks to lose as they have a five point cushion at the summit, playing some fine rugby at present. It’s surely now a fight for second.
Reprieve for Wallabies: Following on from that, this incredible turnaround in Mendoza means the door is still ajar for Australia to claim second place when the Rugby Championship resumes in two weeks’ time. Michael Cheika’s outfit will be buoyed by the fact they’re only five points off the Boks, who must face New Zealand twice, with Australia having a chance to cut the gap against South Africa at home next up.