Boks fear Puma backlash

South African captain Jean de Villiers, who arrived in Argentina with the rest of the Springboks, is bracing for a backlash from the Pumas.

De Villiers said Sunday he expects the Pumas to be "out to prove a point", after losing 6-27 to South Africa in the opening round of the Rugby Championship in Cape Town at the weekend.

The return match against the Pumas will take place before a rowdy crowd in the western city of Mendoza.

"It's their first game at home in this competition," De Villiers told the media upon arrival in Argentina.

"They'll be out to prove a point.

"We know that they'll be tough, we know that they'll be emotionally up for it - and mentally up for it. We're prepared for a massive battle on Saturday."

De Villiers credited Argentina with restricting South Africa to only three tries in what was the Pumas' first match in the inaugural Rugby Championship - the expanded version of the former Tri-Nations.

"They were competitive throughout the game. They played well," De Villiers said.

"They're a quality side. They can take a lot of confidence out of that game and we are definitely prepared for a massive game.

"Everybody says there's a home ground advantage, and Argentina will definitely have that on Saturday."

De Villiers is one of only two players that are left from the team that last played the Pumas in a Test in Argentina, in 2005, the other being Bryan Habana.

"The travel has been good, we got some sleep on the flight and we're happy to be here in Argentina," said De Villiers.

"We will review the first Test on Monday and see where we are injury wise and then start preparing for Saturday's game.

Sharks hooker Craig Burden, who came into the Springbok squad following the serious knee ligament injury to Bismarck du Plessis, joined the squad in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.