“Work Until The Work Is Done” – Springbok Forwards Prepare For Violent Argentina Rematch
Springbok utility forwards Elrigh Louw and Cobus Wiese, along with prop Zachary Porthen, expect a stern challenge against Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on Saturday and are determined to give everything to help the team when they face Los Pumas on home soil.
Louw, who featured in South Africa’s 29-28 defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero in 2024 – the last time the sides met in South America – said the Springboks are under no illusions about the task ahead and expect another gruelling Test match.
“Argentina are a quality side, and we learned our lessons from the last time we played here,” said Louw.
“We lost that game in 2024, so my focus is on doing my job and ensuring that we match their physicality. We certainly learned valuable lessons from that match, and we’ve prepared well this week.”
Louw is also delighted to be back in the Springbok squad after a serious knee injury kept him sidelined for an extended period last year.
“It was quite a significant injury, and it was devastating at the time,” he said.
“Fortunately, I had a lot of support from my family and the medical staff, who helped me through my rehabilitation.
“But the motivation to get back into the Springbok squad was more than enough to keep me working hard and playing rugby to the best of my ability.”
Porthen, who made his Springbok debut late last year and will play his first Test in Argentina, is expecting another fierce battle up front and is eager to make his mark against a formidable home pack.
“Personally, the biggest area where I want to make an impact is at scrum time,” said the former Junior Springbok captain.
“Being a tighthead prop, I’m hoping I can impose myself there and continue improving day by day in the scrums.”
Wiese, meanwhile, spoke about the work ethic instilled in him by his farming upbringing and praised the influence of Eben Etzebeth, who is set to play his first Test of the season this weekend.
“I don’t want to make too much of the farm boy thing, but growing up on a farm, you work until the job is done,” said Wiese.
“There’s no quitting. There’s a sense of responsibility, along with many other values. It probably shaped me more as a person than as a player.
“Other players have their own values from the way they were brought up, but at the end of the day, you need a strong work ethic to succeed in rugby. I just keep reminding myself that I’m playing alongside world-class players, and I try to follow their example.”
Speaking about Etzebeth’s influence on his development, Wiese added: “Every time Eben pulls on a Springbok jersey, he’s hungry and prepared to work incredibly hard. He’s done it 141 times, and he gives the players around him so much confidence. If we can follow his example, I think the team will be ready.
“If you can tap into the knowledge of players like him during your preparation, then it’s simply a matter of going out on Saturday and expressing yourself.”
The match kicks off at 21:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
