South Africa vs Argentina Tips - Boks backed for bonus point win in Durban

I am backing the Springboks to cover the -17 handicap on home soil.

South Africa have won their last five matches against Argentina. They met last week in Buenos Aires where the Springboks were convincing 36-20 victors.

South Africa will be disappointed with their Rugby Championship campaign to date. They are second but level on points with the All Blacks and still have a very realistic chance of claiming the title. But they would feel that they have thrown away two results that should have been victories.

The Springboks do however come into this match having won their last two fixtures in Australia and Argentina. Last week they dominated the first half against Los Pumas but allowed their hosts to come back within touching distance.

Fortunately for Jacques Nienaber’s side, they got their act together late in the game to claim the crucial bonus point after the hooter had sounded.

The Boks are likely going to need to chase a bonus point again but that largely depends on the result in the New Zealand game earlier on Saturday.

Jacques Nienaber and his coaching staff have a massive headache at flyhalf. First choice Handre Pollard is injured, second choice Elton Jantjies was sent home for disciplinary reasons and third choice Johan Goosen will only be fit in November.

That means veteran utility back, Frans Steyn starts in the 10 jumper. He has not played there for the Springboks since 2010. The rest of the side looks much the same.

Argentina have had their most impressive Rugby Championship since joining in 2012. They have beaten Australia and home and New Zealand away. Unfortunately the last two weeks have not gone according to plan.

First they were thrashed by the All Blacks in New Zealand. Los Pumas then returned home to face the Springboks in a must-win encounter if they wanted to keep their chances alive in the competition.

A poor first half display resulted in them being 17 points down at the break. They fought back to within two points before South Africa pulled away to win 36-20.

Michael Cheika will most likely ring the changes to the side this week. They looked tired last week and the long travel to South Africa wouldn’t have done them much good.