Springbok number eight Jasper Wiese says his team are looking to claim a bonus-point win against Argentina in their backyard as the world champions push for the Rugby Championship title.
The competition is wide open, with all four teams able to take home the trophy after the final two rounds, meaning every point matters during the final push.
A bonus point in Argentina has become a much more challenging task in 2022, with Michael Cheika’s influence powering Los Pumas to unprecedented heights in the tournament, claiming a record win against Australia and their first victory in New Zealand during this year’s edition.
Points are vital
Wiese knows that bonus points will be crucial if the Springboks are to close the deficit to the competition leaders New Zealand.
“I think every team is playing for a bonus point at this stage of the tournament. First of all, you want to keep it in mind that you want to win the match but every team has the same mindset and it is important to try to get a bonus point,” Wiese said.
“We simply just have to go out there, play our best rugby and make our country proud. If we play our best rugby, the bonus point will take care of it itself and that sums it up perfectly.”
Wiese said it is a privilege to be in the same set-up as the legendary Duane Vermuelen as the pair battle for the starting role in green and gold. The number eight is looking to learn as much as possible from the veteran in the Springbok environment.
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“To have such an experienced player playing alongside you is amazing and to learn from him is a real privilege. As for competition for places, it is really tight and I don’t think anyone’s spot is guaranteed,” he said.
“It has been a massive privilege playing alongside everyone here in the team and especially Duane. He has years of experience and there is so much I can still learn from him, it is just a massive privilege for me being next to him in this environment.”
The Premiership champion expects a difficult challenge playing in the “proud” country of Argentina, but everyone in the squad is aware of the task at hand.
“It is the same when you play abroad, you always have to deal with the crowd, Argentina is a very proud country and they are a team that doesn’t go away, especially when they play at home,” he added.
“Even when they play away from home, they don’t go away. They are a very tough team and it’s something that you have to deal with when playing abroad: it is to deal with the crowd.
“It was a decision from management to get us here as soon as possible and adapt as soon as possible and get us into a mindset of still having a job to do.
“Training has been good, it’s a little bit warner than in Australia, the city is nice and everybody knows what we have to do.”
Tough challenge
Electric Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi echoed Wiese’s comments and expects a tough challenge from Argentina but looks forward to facing up against the resurgent side.
“Argentina are a good team with quality players and they have several experienced players – some of whom we have been playing against for a few years now,” said Mapimpi.
“We know the intensity and physicality with which the All Blacks play after seeing their result against New Zealand last week, and Argentina were on the same level against them in their first Test match (which Argentina won 25-18).
“So, we are really looking forward to playing against Los Pumas next week.”
The Springboks bounced back against Australia with a more dominant performance in their 24-8 Rugby Championship win in Sydney and Mapimpi was pleased with his side’s improvement.
“It was a good thing to be able to do what we enjoy doing, and especially to score tries when we had the opportunities,” he added.
“It was really great for us as a team to bounce back from the previous game (against Australia – which the Springboks lost 25-17). And personally, it was a nice feeling to score a try.”