Open season for Pumas in Bok hunt

Springbok forwards coach Johan van Graan expected an open and fierce encounter between South Africa and Argentina in their first Rugby Championship match in Pretoria on Saturday.

"One thing you have to give the Springboks and Argentina credit for is, in 2013, they stole the most ball - not only at breakdowns, but scrums, line-outs and in the air," Van Graan told a media scrum at the team's training base.

If the match is anything like last year's tournament opener - where the Boks ran in nine tries to one for a 73-13 demolition over Argentina - supporters will be in for a mouth-watering experience.

Van Graan said both teams had been on top in terms of competing on the opposition's ball at the set-pieces and the breakdowns over the last year.

"If you look at the June internationals, South Africa and Argentina were on top again.

"What you can learn from that is it is going to be a contesting game - every breakdown, line-out, scrum and kick-off will be a contest."

The Springboks have by now learned not to underestimate Argentina.

They made the Boks work hard for the 22-17 victory in the return match in Mendoza last year, while the sides played to a 16-all draw a year before at the same venue.

Source: SAPA