The Springboks head to Santiago with a clear mission: securing the 2024 Rugby Championship title and a victory over Argentina will seal the deal.

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Rassie Erasmus' squad has been perfect so far, winning all four of their matches in the tournament. However, they face an unpredictable Los Pumas side, which has defeated and lost to the All Blacks and Australia this season. Notably, Argentina has never beaten all three Rugby Championship opponents in the same year, a milestone they’ll be eager to achieve and should they do so then they will put themselves firmly in contention for the title.

This sets the stage for an exciting showdown between two powerful rugby nations, with a passionate home crowd sure to enhance what promises to be a thrilling contest.

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As he has done throughout the competition, Erasmus has made several changes to his line-up. Only five players from the side that triumphed over the All Blacks in Cape Town will start in this Test match.

SPRINGBOKS MAKE TEN CHANGES FOR LOS PUMAS CLASH

On the other hand, Argentina's head coach, Felipe Contepomi, has made minimal adjustments after their commanding 67-27 win over Australia, mainly refreshing his forward pack for the battle ahead.

Clashes between these teams are always intense, and this encounter should be no exception despite the forecasted heat soaring above 35 degrees. Teams facing the Springboks must be solid in the set-piece, or it could turn into a very long day on the field. Argentina has the talent to compete in lineouts, with skilled jumpers in their back-five, but the scrum remains a concern for Contepomi.

Thomas Gallo, a standout player in open play, has struggled in scrums during this year’s tournament. He was outmuscled by the All Blacks at Eden Park and held his ground against Australia, although Taniela Tupou gave him a tough time. Facing South Africa’s formidable front row, including Thomas du Toit and Vincent Koch, presents an even greater challenge.

To complicate matters, Los Pumas will introduce Pedro Delgado, a debutant, at tighthead prop, while reserve loosehead Ignacio Calles has just three caps to his name. If the Springboks can dominate the scrums and earn consistent penalties, it could be a tough game for Argentina, who might hope for a repeat of Wellington’s unusual hour-long stretch without scrums.

Beyond the set-piece, the breakdown will be another key battleground. In their recent clash, the All Blacks exposed weaknesses in South Africa’s breakdown. However, Argentina, with the likes of Julian Montoya, Pablo Matera, and Marcos Kremer, has the opportunity to impose itself in this area.

Erasmus has acknowledged the growth of Contepomi’s Argentina, likening their style to the fierce, resilient teams of old. Despite making numerous changes to his side, Erasmus is fully aware of Argentina's threat, having seen them upset New Zealand and dominate Australia.

“They don’t have a domestic competition like other nations, but Felipe Contepomi has brought them together and led them to victories over New Zealand and Australia,” said Erasmus.

Key Head-To-Head

One area keeping Contepomi awake at night is the scrum. Gallo, while a superb athlete in open play, has struggled against stronger scrummaging opponents like the All Blacks and Wallabies, and South Africa’s front row, including Vincent Koch and Thomas du Toit, is a different beast.

The battle extends beyond set piece, given Argentina excels in ruck play, boasting the best success rate in the Championship. Matera has been a key figure in this, not just in his tackling and carrying but also in his work over the ball. The breakdown could be decisive, with Matera and Springbok Marco van Staden likely to clash in a pivotal contest for momentum.

Ox Nche, South Africa’s prop, has warned that Argentina’s forward play has grown more sophisticated. “They’re doing new things in the lineout, maul well, and tricky to face. It’s going to be a huge challenge,” Nche said.

Lock Ruan Nortje also noted the physical similarities between the two teams: “They pride themselves on their physicality just like we do. We’ve prepared well and are excited for the challenge.”

Meanwhile, Argentina’s debutant Pedro Delgado is eager for his first Test cap. "It’s a dream to play for Los Pumas. We’ve trained hard this week, and though South Africa is the reigning world champion with a powerful forward pack, we’re focused on ourselves and prepared to play a good match,” said Delgado.

Both teams' benches will also be critical, and the matchup between flankers Pablo Matera and Marco van Staden is particularly intriguing. Impressed by his outings against Australia but missed out against New Zealand, Marco van Staden will be crucial for the Springboks as they seek to solve their breakdown issues. Matera, leading Argentina's dominant ruck performances, will look to maintain his team’s momentum.

Momentum will be vital, with both teams having key players capable of shifting the tide. However, South Africa, chasing a record sixth Rugby Championship victory and on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions, holds the upper hand. The Springboks have won their last eight encounters with Argentina, with an average winning margin of 15.4 points. While Argentina has been unpredictable throughout the tournament, the Springboks' experience and form may prove too much, even if they perform at their best.

The Springboks know how to win big occasions, with Erasmus fielding a squad stacked to the gills with World Cup winners. Certainly, Los Pumas will not simply roll over, but this Bok team are just too powerful upfront and will grind down their hosts. Springboks by 8.

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