Pumas to come back fighting
Canan Moodie says the Springboks expect a fired-up Argentina when the teams clash in the Rugby Championship decider at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Boks hammered the Pumas 67-30 in Durban to move top of the table on 15 points. They lead the All Blacks (14) and Wallabies (11), with Los Pumas (nine) now out of contention.
By the time the Boks kick off in London at 3pm (SA time), they will know exactly what is required to defend their crown, with New Zealand and Australia meeting earlier in the day in the final Bledisloe Cup Test.
“The Rugby Championship has not been won yet,” Moodie said. “We know there’s still a job to do next week. We’ll just keep our heads down and continue doing the hard work to hopefully get the result next weekend. Then we’ll have something to celebrate.”
ALSO: Stormers scrum wizard on Bok standby
The 22-year-old utility back, who was denied a try ay Kings Park by millimetres, warned against complacency despite the Boks’ emphatic recent form, which includes a record 43-10 win over the All Blacks in Wellington.
“They’ll come hard at us because they are a very passionate rugby nation, and they’ll look hard at Saturday’s game and come back fighting,” he said. “That said, we have to focus on ourselves and ensure we do the job.”
OPINION: Sacha’s earned Carter comparison
Moodie hailed Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s record-breaking 37-point haul against the Pumas, including a hat-trick of tries.
“It was amazing to see. He was full of confidence and it was great to see him score some good tries. We give each other confidence.”
KEO: Sacha FM turns up the volume for the Boks
He also praised Bok midfield stalwarts André Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende.
“They are both devastating ball-carriers. As a group we all have a job to do, and we just go out there and execute it to the best of our ability.”
MORE: Two World Cup winners on track for Bok tour
The Boks will regroup in London from Tuesday, targeting back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time.
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images