By Lwandisa Madlakane on RUCK Debut
The Springboks survived a determined Argentina challenge to claim a 17-10 victory in Buenos Aires, with Cameron Hanekom’s second-half try helping South Africa secure a hard-fought win.
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Argentina started strongly, competing at the breakdown and putting pressure on South Africa’s handling and kicking game. The hosts kept the Springboks from building a comfortable lead and forced errors throughout the match.
South Africa suffered an early setback when captain Siya Kolisi left the field in the 25th minute and was replaced by Marco van Staden. Despite the disruption, the visitors continued to compete physically and eventually opened the scoring through Edwill van der Merwe.
Argentina responded with a try as the match remained closely contested. South Africa then appeared to score through Johan Grobbelaar, but the try was disallowed following a TMO review after van Staden was found to have been in touch during the build-up.
The Springboks regained momentum in the second half, with Hanekom making a strong contribution through his carrying, defence and breakdown work. He crossed for South Africa’s second try in the 63rd minute following a powerful scrum.Argentina continued to threaten in the final stages, but South Africa’s defence held firm to secure the seven-point victory.
Starting XV
1. Boan Venter — 5/10
A mixed outing from the prop. He contributed at scrum time but had limited influence around the field and struggled to consistently impose himself. He was replaced after 49 minutes.
2. Johan Grobbelaar — 5.5/10
Worked hard around the field and carried strongly, finishing with 16 carries. However, his performance included costly errors, including a poor pass to Andre Esterhuizen that resulted in a turnover and an overthrown lineout from five metres out. He also had a try disallowed after the TMO review identified Van Staden in touch during the build-up. Replaced after 62 minutes.
3. Thomas du Toit — 5.5/10
A difficult game at scrum time. He was penalised early for a scrum collapse and was involved in the build-up to Argentina’s try. He worked hard defensively, making eight tackles before being replaced after 49 minutes.
4. Eben Etzebeth — 5/10
Provided a strong presence at the lineout and made some dominant tackles, but his performance was inconsistent. A knock-on when South Africa were threatening near the Argentine line was one of the costly moments in his game.
5. Lood de Jager — 6/10
Reliable in the lineout and provided experience in the pack. However, he had some disappointing moments, including a sloppy restart and an intercepted pass. Replaced after 49 minutes.
6. Siya Kolisi — 5/10
The captain had limited time to influence the match before leaving in the 25th minute with an injury. Marco van Staden replaced him.
7. Elrigh Louw — 5/10
A workmanlike performance that did not always attract attention. He made five carries and 10 tackles but struggled to make a major impact on the contest.
8. Cameron Hanekom — 8.5/10
One of South Africa’s most influential players. Hanekom carried strongly, defended aggressively and was a constant threat over the ball. His breakdown work helped South Africa regain possession, while his 13 carries for 82 metres showed his involvement around the field. He capped the performance with a 63rd-minute try from close range after a powerful scrum.
9. Cobus Reinach — 5/10
Produced a few dangerous runs but struggled to consistently control the tempo. His kicking game became predictable at times and did not always help South Africa escape Argentina’s pressure.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu — 4.5/10
A challenging evening for the flyhalf. He struggled to consistently connect South Africa’s attack and some of his kicks failed to put Argentina under enough pressure. His drop-goal attempt hit the bar, while later kicks did not always find the required distance or accuracy.
11. Ethan Hooker — 6.5/10
Worked hard defensively and put pressure on the Argentine backline. He did not receive many attacking opportunities but remained dependable when South Africa were defending.
12. Andre Esterhuizen — 7/10
Grew into the game after a difficult start. Some early handling errors affected his performance, but his physical carries became important and his offload helped create South Africa’s opening try.
13. Canan Moodie — 5/10
Had a relatively quiet afternoon. South Africa’s reliance on kicking limited his opportunities to attack with ball in hand.
14. Edwill van der Merwe — 6/10
Provided one of South Africa’s most important attacking moments by scoring their first try. He finished with 70 metres but had limited opportunities outside that score.
15. Aphelele Fassi — 7/10
Handled the backfield well and produced an important line break in the second half. He also showed good awareness with a clever piece of play to prevent a 50-22. A solid performance in a difficult Test.
Replacements
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels — 7/10
Made a positive contribution after coming on. His throwing helped South Africa regain some stability at the lineout after Argentina had caused problems at the set piece.
17. Gerhard Steenekamp — 7/10
Added power to the forward pack when he entered the match. His carries helped South Africa gain valuable metres and he contributed to a stronger scrum during the closing stages.
18. Zachary Porthen — 6/10
Added physicality after coming on and made strong carries when given the opportunity.
19. Ben-Jason Dixon — 6/10
Worked hard around the breakdown after entering in the 49th minute. He was active in the defensive effort but gave away a late penalty while competing for possession.
20. Cobus Wiese — 6/10
Entered in the 49th minute and made an immediate impact with a strong first carry. He added physicality to the forward pack during an important period of the match.
21. Marco van Staden — 7/10
Came on in the 25th minute for Kolisi and immediately brought energy to the Springbok pack. He won an important turnover and worked hard around the breakdown. However, he was also involved in the build-up to Grobbelaar’s disallowed try after being found in touch.
22. Morne van den Berg — 6/10
Introduced in the 59th minute and provided another kicking option as South Africa attempted to manage the final stages of the contest.
23. Handre Pollard — 6.5/10
Returned to the action in the 59th minute and brought experience to the backline. His kicking helped South Africa manage territory as they looked to protect their lead.
Player of the Match: Cameron Hanekom — 8.5/10
