South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his players will know what to expect when facing Argentina on Saturday in the Rugby Championship for the second week in a row.
The Springboks won 27-6 in Cape Town last week in the Pumas’ debut in the expanded southern hemisphere competition, and Meyer has warned his players to be prepared.
“Argentina played a very physical game in Cape Town – as we expected – and they will step it up this weekend in front of their home fans,” Heyneke said.
“It will be a very tough test and we need to be 100 per cent switched on.”
Argentine players and fans are expecting the same in the match at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in the western Argentine city of Mendoza.
South Africa was in control in the opening match, but Argentina’s rugged defence restricted the Springboks to three tries.
The Pumas are sure to be tougher opponents with their boisterous home fans urging them on for a breakthrough victory.
“We look forward to the revenge, and with luck we’ll have this opportunity,” said Martin Rodriguez, who replaces Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino at fullback in the only change announced by coach Santiago Phelan.
South Africa have made two changes, with Adriaan Strauss replacing the injured Bismarck du Plessis at hooker and also taking over the vice captaincy plus Jacques Potgieter comes off the bench to start at blindside flanker.
The Springboks will start with the same backline, including Bryan Habana, who was questionable for the match with a left ankle injury.
“Having Bryan is obviously a big boost as we’ve lost a number of players with lots of experience,” Meyer said.
Despite the home advantage, Argentina are the clear underdog.
The Pumas are playing their first season in the expanded Rugby Championship – the upgraded version of the old Tri-Nations – and will also be tested later this year in home-and-away matches against Australia and New Zealand.
“We know we have to play a perfect game to beat the Springboks,” Rodriguez said.
“But we have possibilities. Everything needs to fall into place.”