THIS WEEKEND 9 AUGUST

 

09.08.2008

South Africa 63, Argentina 9 in Johannesburg (Friendly)

South Africa won by 54 points. I predicted South Africa by 35.

 

Reviews

After leading by only 9-0 for much of the first half the Springbox over ran an out of condition Argentina 63-9. This match was plonked into a gap in South Africa’s Tri Nations timetable with little consideration for Argentina most of whom were either on holiday or had just returned from their break. This is not the way to treat a proud rugby nation. Argentina thrilled the rugby world during the 2007 Rugby World Cup with the way they stood up and overcame opponents. Surely the time has come whereby Argentina is placed appropriately into the world rugby calendar. The result saw two records broken for South Africa v Argentina. The margin of 54 points was better than the margin, and score, of the 46-15 win in Buenos Aires in 1996.

 

Related articles

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3957628,00.html

http://www.sarugby.net/default.asp?des=article&id=264851

http://www.scrum.com/2835_55564.php

 

Previews

Argentina last played a test match in late June when they lost 12-13 to Italy who themselves had just lost 0-26 to South Africa. Most of the Argentineans have been on holiday whilst South Africa has played 3 tests in the Tri Nations series against New Zealand and Australia arguably the toughest international competition in the world outside of the World Cup.

 

Related Articles

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3948133,00.html

 

Last Five Encounters

14.10.2007 South Africa 37-13 in Paris (World Cup; Semi-final)

05.11.2005 South Africa 34-23 in Buenos Aires

04.12.2004 South Africa 39-7 in Buenos Aires

28.06.2003 South Africa 26-25 in Port Elizabeth

29.06.2002 South Africa 49-29 in Springs

 

The last time Argentina played South Africa in Johannesburg was in 1994 when South Africa won 46-26. Argentina (as South America) won once in South Africa. This match was played in Bloemfontein. The result was 21-12 to South America.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World table-South Africa 3rd, Argentina 8th

 

Match Data Sheet