Springboks flex their muscles against Argentina
August 10th 2008 00:39
No contest - the Springboks were too strong for The Pumas
Argentina has failed to resist the might of South Africa, going down by a staggering 63-9 scoreline in a one off test at Ellis Park.
The Pumas were playing their first match after being on vacation and the Springboks, in the midst of Tri-nations competition, were too strong in Johannesburg.
Argentina, who came third in last years Rugby World Cup, started the better of the two sides with a 9-0 scoreline in their favour.
But the locals and reigning world champions took advantage of the physically worn out Pumas pack, registering nine tries for a 54 point thrashing.
The Test match was played as part of the festivities for South African icon Nelson Mandela, who is celebrating his 90th birthday.
The Pumas started well with captain Felipe Contepomi scoring three penalties to cast Argentina to an unlikely 9-0 lead.
Like their opening game against France in last years World Cup, The Pumas were very solid in defence early on, forcing dropped ball which nearly led to a try for Juan Fernández Lobbe.
That was as close as Argentina would get. The Springboks eventually garnered their structure in defence and attack and from then on, were never headed.
As The Pumas tired, South Africa took full advantage at home with Jean de Villiers scoring the first try for the home side.
In another lethal blow for Argentina, Nokwe showed no mercy to a tiring Pumas defence as he barged his way over to send the Springbok with a 14-9 advantage heading into the break.
With key men Agustin Pichot, Juan Martin Hernandez, and Sebastian Longo missing from Argentina's line-up, South Africa run riot in the second half, posting seven tries to nil with Butch James the architect for the Springboks.
It was already known that Argentina faced a tough ask against the Springboks.
South Africa is in the middle of Tri-nations competition while The Pumas were not match-hardened for the clash.
The Argentine players offered no excuses prior to the encounter. It was clear though The Pumas faced a difficult task in downing the world champions at Ellis Park.
For the first thirty minutes of the match. Argentina cast a massive smokescreen of doubt for their opponents and fans.
But in normal conditions, history once again repeated itself and Argentina remains winless against one of the giants of world Rugby.
| 24 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by bf
I really hope them to recover their true place in Rugby world as soon as possible (Marcelo Loffreda proved fantastic and the new Coach needs, evidently, to work hard).
By the way, Impressive Springboks!... long life to their powerful demonstrations of authority, as it is expected from a true World Champion.
BF