Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says his side’s defensive structure will be key if they want to beat Argentina and claim the Rugby Championship title.

After naming the team to front Los Pumas this coming weekend, Erasmus warned his charges to be wary of Argentina’s running game and called on the Boks to produce a solid defensive display.

‘We all know about the massively difficult forward threat of Argentina, however, they are a clever side with skill and pace out wide, so we will have to be alert on defence right until the final whistle,’ said Erasmus.

‘The Pumas are a very difficult team to play at home and they will be fired up for this one in front of their passionate crowd in Salta.’

Erasmus made two changes to the front row, where Trevor Nyakane, Tendai Mtawarira and Bongi Mbonambi replace Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff and Malcolm Marx.

The Bok coach said it will do Nyakane and Mbonambi good to scrum down alongside Mtawarira, while the match itself is an important opportunity to build momentum towards the World Cup in Japan. 

‘This Test is a good opportunity for Bongi and Trevor to start next to Beast, who has a wealth of experience from playing more than 100 Tests for the Springboks.’

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