Springboks extend unbeaten run in Buenos Aires: Five takeaways

The Springboks secured a 17-10 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, extending their unbeaten streak at José Amalfitani Stadium to 12 Tests since 1993. The closely contested Test, which lasted until the final whistle, showcased resilience from both teams in defense and highlighted several key takeaways.

Captain Siya Kolisi, making his first Test appearance of the year after recovering from a hamstring strain, had to leave the field after 24 minutes due to an injury to his other hamstring. Following the game, it was revealed that Kolisi would undergo scans to assess the severity of the damage. His absence could result in a change of starting lineup, potentially giving Paul de Villiers, who has had a breakout season, an opportunity to lead from the blindside flanker position.

Several players who had returned from injury remained unscathed during the match. This included Dimitri Etzebeth, who returned after a concussion, and Lood de Jager, who had played only one match for his franchise in 2026 following hip surgery. Additionally, Morné van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu completed their recoveries, all contributing to the Springboks' successful performance.

A significant shift in momentum occurred in the second half, as the bench stepped up to the plate. Marco van Staden and Cobus Wiese demonstrated exceptional attacking and defensive skills, while Handré Pollard improved the Springbok kicking department, delivering improved results after a series of errors in the first half. Strong performances from the scrum unit, spearheaded by Thomas du Toit, further bolstered the Springboks' set-piece effectiveness.

However, the Springboks struggled in the aerial phase of play. Their kicking patterns were often too long or unthreatening, and almost all aerial contests were won by Argentina. This weakness, traditionally a strength for South Africa, became evident against a solid Argentine defense that rarely conceded ground and frequently pushed back the ball carriers.

Even some of the Springboks' best runners, such as Cameron Hanekom and Marco van Staden, faced challenges against the Argentine defense. The Springboks managed to hold the ball up once, but their efforts were thwarted when Van Staden was tackled into touch, resulting in a try being ruled out. Only Kolisi showcased a promising series of carries before being forced to leave the field due to injury.

After the match, it became apparent that the Springboks needed to improve their aerial game before facing New Zealand in their next Test.