Rugby Championship
Pumas have 'point' to prove
2012-08-20 07:44
Buenos Aires - South Africa captain Jean de
Villiers arrived in Argentina with the rest of the Springboks on Sunday,
bracing for a return match against the Pumas - this time before a rowdy
home crowd in the western city of Mendoza.
De Villiers said he
expects the Pumas to be energized before home fans after losing 27-6 to
South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.
"It's their first game at
home in this competition," De Villiers said. "They'll be out to prove a point. We know that they'll be tough, we know
that they'll be emotionally up for it - and mentally up for it. We're
prepared for a massive battle on Saturday."
De Villiers credited
Argentina with restricting South Africa to only three tries in what was
the Pumas' first match in the inaugural Rugby Championship - the
expanded version of the former Tri-Nations.
"They were
competitive throughout the game. They played well," De Villiers said.
"They're a quality side. They can take a lot of confidence out of that
game and we are definitely prepared for a massive game.
"Everybody says there's a home ground advantage, and Argentina will definitely have that on Saturday."
South
Africa has lost hooker Bismarck du Plessis, who injured his right knee
on Saturday and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He has
been replaced by Craig Burden.