‘Not A Warm-Up’: Why the Springboks Refuse To Look Past Argentina Before All Blacks Series

Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has dismissed any suggestion that South Africa’s upcoming Test against Argentina is merely a stepping stone to the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.

Although the Nations Championship’s fixture does not form part of this year’s Rugby Championship, Davids insisted the Springboks are placing full emphasis on the encounter as they continue to build momentum and raise their standards ahead of the eagerly anticipated clashes with the All Blacks.

“This is a very important match for us,” Davids said.

“We have certain goals for the year, and we see this as a Test match that we want to win first and foremost. We also want to set certain standards for ourselves. Given the challenges that lie ahead, we must improve our game and ensure our players are prepared and ready for the rest of the year,” the forwards coach explained.

The Springboks face Argentina in Buenos Aires before turning their attention to the looming series against the All Blacks. However, Davids stressed there is no room for looking beyond the immediate challenge.

Responding to suggestions that South Africa may view the fixture as a warm-up, while Argentina could have extra motivation after recent defeats to England and Scotland, Davids rejected the notion outright.

“I don’t think we approach any game as a warm-up,” he said.

“We approach every Test as a game that is important for our country in terms of what we want to achieve and what we stand for. As a team, we are proud of our record, and we take every opportunity to set or improve our standards from one game to the next.”

Davids expects another stern examination from Los Pumas, particularly on home soil, where Argentina have consistently proved to be formidable opponents.

“Argentina present a different challenge,” Davids said. “They are very gutsy and passionate, especially at home in Buenos Aires. It’s never easy, and you always have to grind until the very end.”

He warned that underestimating the hosts would be a costly mistake.

“They will have their own goals, but they will also want to show that they belong, and they will want to win the game. If you come into it with the mentality that it is a warm-up, that’s a big mistake.”