While the rain dampened spirits in Sydney, it thrashed into Pretoria like a hurricane and threw out any expectations of what might have been. Predicting results at this level is always tricky business, but when faced with these kinds of occurrences all plans get tossed right out the window. If the rain wasn’t enough, the hail coming down at kickoff certainly was, and it was difficult at the best of times to stay focused on the match as an observer, never mind a participant.
The one-sided affair that was supposed to happen was completely dissipated by the conditions, though to be fair the Pumas played reasonably well, while the home side was pretty disappointing. An early try in the opening seconds from a Cornal Hendricks break that sent Ruan Pienaar over looked an ominous sign, particularly when Handré Pollard’s tough conversion sailed over, but that was all the try-scoring to be found on the day.
Surprising scrum dominance from Argentina led to a penalty for Nicolas Sánchez, but Pollard replied soon after. The scoring ceased until after the break, with Sánchez and replacement Morné Steyn exchanged similar efforts. This game will not be remembered for its exciting moments, if at all.
Each side had suffered blows before kickoff with Willem Alberts and Juan Martín Hernández both withdrawing, replaced by Marcell Coetzee and Santiago González Iglesias respectively. Both stepped up as well as could be expected, with Coetzee in particular putting in a characteristically busy shift in defense.
The Springbok scrum woes were a bit of a surprise given Argentina’s problems there in June. Marcos Ayerza got the better of Jannie du Plessis, while Ramiro Herrera had mixed fortunes, struggling at times against Beast Mtawarira and holding steady on others. On the whole the scrum advantage was definitely tilted in favor of the Pumas, something scrum coach Pieter de Villiers will most certainly be hearing about from Heyneke Meyer during the week.
Pollard didn’t have a great game, leading to his early substitution, but he didn’t look wholly out of place. Hopefully Meyer will have the courage to persist with him next week in Salta, with a dry pitch under his feet. It might also be interesting to see him with a quicker scrumhalf. Pienaar’s experience is valuable but his service is so maddeningly slow at times it leaves no options for the backs. Neither Francois Hougaard nor uncapped Cobus Reinach are comparable to Fourie du Preez, but either might be worth a look, if only to try something different.
Elsewhere there’s really not much to be said. Damien de Allende did as well as could be expected in the conditions, and everyone else just kind of slid through the match. Willie le Roux actually fared quite well, and even in the soup managed a couple clever little tricks.
Argentina meanwhile can be pleased with their defensive effort. The pack held, though the absence of Alberts was no doubt appreciated, and the set piece went well. Tomás Lavanini looks more and more comfortable with test rugby, and the back row was excellent. Herrera is still a work in progress at tighthead, but with his physique he’s worth the investment.
Sánchez was the pick of the bunch, looking dangerous and making several darting line breaks, something which has become a bit of a trademark. Joaquín Tuculet did not disappoint at fullback or the wing, where he shifted to make room for replacement Lucas González Amorosino. The latter’s touch finders at the tail end of the game were outstanding.
It’s off to South America now for the second leg, and with any luck this time there will be a proper contest. All thoughts of a blowout should now be out the window, and there might even be a little doubt cast on a Springbok victory. Just a little. Worth a small bet. Maybe.
SOUTH AFRICA 13 vs 6 ARGENTINA
Saturday, August 16, 15:05 GMT, Pretoria
SCORING
02 mins – R. Pienaar try 5-0
03 mins – H. Pollard con 7-0
07 mins – N. Sánchez pen 7-3
16 mins – H. Pollard pen 10-3
42 mins – N. Sánchez pen 10-6
50 mins – M. Steyn pen 13-6
SOUTH AFRICA
W. le Roux; C. Hendricks, D. de Allende, J. de Villiers (capt.), B. Habana; H. Pollard (M. Steyn HT), R. Pienaar; T. Mtawarira, B. du Plessis (A. Strauss 56), J. du Plessis (F. Malherbe 66); B. Botha (E. Etzebeth HT), L. de Jager; F. Louw, M. Coetzee, D. Vermeulen.
ARGENTINA
J. Tuculet; H. Agulla (L. González Amorosino 60), M. Bosch, S. González Iglesias, M. Montero; N. Sánchez (J. de la Fuente 65), M. Landajo (T. Cubelli HT); M. Ayerza (L. Noguera Paz 77), A. Creevy (capt.), R. Herrera (N. Tetaz Chaparro 60); M. Galarza, T. Lavanini (M. Alemanno 75); P. Matera (L. Senatore 58), J. Fernández Lobbe, J.M. Leguizamón.
Referee: J. Lacey (IRFU)
Assistants: S. Walsh (ARU) & M. Mitrea (FIR)
TMO: S. McDowell (IRFU)
