Springboks insist they are 'on track' for Rugby World Cup

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber claims the Springboks are ‘on track’ for the Rugby World Cup following their win over Los Pumas in Buenos Aires.

Amidst an electric atmosphere at Velez Sarsfield stadium, the Springboks showcased their mettle with a powerful second-half surge to defeat Argentina 24-13 in the opening match of their three-game warm-up series. Head coach Jacques Nienaber expressed unwavering confidence that his team is firmly “on track” for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Despite trailing 10-3 at halftime, the Springboks remained undeterred, taking inspiration from the opportunities they created earlier in the game. Although their execution faltered in the initial stages, the team found their rhythm in the second half, culminating in tries by Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie.

“This is an exceptional place to get a win,” said Nienaber. “Argentina have been progressing well. They beat Australia and, last year, they defeated New Zealand, so we worked really hard to get our game in order and grind out the win, and we are pleased with the result.”

The Springboks will name their 33-man squad this Tuesday and Nienaber admits selection is coming down to the wire.  Thirty-eight players were tested in recent weeks and at least five now face the brutal reality of being axed just a month out from the Rugby World Cup, given Handre Pollard and Siya Kolisi have not played in this window due to injury.

“We have a tough team selection meeting coming up,” said Nienaber. “The players certainly put up their hands today. We gave 38 players a run in the last few weeks, and with the team set to play knock-out rugby from our opening game of the World Cup, it has set us in good stead.”

The Boks will arrive back in South Africa tomorrow.