Argentina vs. South Africa, 21 August 17:05
Argentina vs. South Africa, 21 August 17:05

The Boks and Argentina return to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after the two sides met at the same venue last week, with South Africa emerging victorious 32-12. There was some concern from the Bok supporters going into last week’s clash after Nienaber fielded a side with 12 changes from the side that played the final test of the Lions series. The critics were however silenced when the Boks ran in three tries and secured a comfortable victory against an Argentinian team that underperformed to say the least. Speedster Cobus Reinach scored the first try for the Boks after picking up a loose ball just outside his own 22 and running all the way, while Elton Jantjies showed some innovation with a crosskick to Fassi for South Africa’s second. Reserve scrummy Jaden Hendricks scored in the corner for the Bok’s final try and made his debut a memorable one. The visitors failed to cross the line in the 80 minutes and their only points came from 4 penalties courtesy of Nicholas Sanchez.

Saturday will see the Springboks revert back to the same team that defeated the Lions two weeks ago, with the exceptions being Marvin Orie replacing Eben Etzebeth at lock and a new look front row including Thomas Du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Trevor Nyakane. The goal-kicking last week could have been a tad better and Pollard will be a welcome return at flyhalf.

I really expected a better showing from the visitors last week after their successful campaign in Wales. They were outplayed on all fronts and too many unforced errors meant that they were unable to get any momentum going. Argentina have made a whole host of changes for this clash in the hopes of avoiding an embarrassing performance two weeks in a row. The backline has been reshuffled with Mallia and Mendy slotting into fullback and right wing, but the big news is that Nicholas Sanchez has been dropped to the bench for the visitors. He will be replaced by Domingo Miotti at 10. Up front the likes of Alemanno and Lavanini come off the bench from last week and get their chance in the starting line-up. After losing by 20 points to a “weaker” Bok side, do they have any chance on Saturday?

Prediction

The short answer is no. However, Argentina can be that kind of team that decide to not show at all one week and then suddenly wake up for a surprise performance the next. The handicap for this match has been set at -14.5 for South Africa and that is a little bit high for my liking. Sure, the Boks won by 20 last week and they have a stronger team but I don’t see the visitors playing as bad as what they did two weeks in a row. I am hesitant to jump on the handicap for this match so I will rather have a punt on the under for total points which is sitting at 46.5. The South African defense was as solid as a rock last week and I expect it to remain the same, while I have a feeling that Argentina can improve their defense and let in fewer points this time around (or at least no more than what they did last week). For tryscorers I will have a crack at Cheslin Kolbe catching the new Argentinian back row napping and crossing the whitewash for the first try of the match. I also like Jasper Wiese to follow up his man of the match performance last week with a try as a value bet.

BetOlimp Best Bets

Under 46.5 Points – 1.84
First Tryscorer: Cheslin Kolbe - 7.00
Anytime Tryscorer: Jasper Wiese – 2.85

 

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