The Test will be the first of three warm-up games for the Springboks as they turn their focus on their Rugby World Cup title defence.

The Boks will be fielding a new-look squad and it remains to be seen who will captain the side as Duane Vermeulen and Eben Etzebeth both stayed behind in South Africa.

The loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff and centre Lukhanyo Am are the frontrunners to take the captaincy for the Test, while the Springbok management may for a different approach with a player such as the tighthead prop, Thomas du Toit, or even the versatile Deon Fourie.

The Springbok assistant coach, Deon Davids, said the players need to embrace the opportunity to play this week, and the pressure from the 21-20 is exactly what they needed in building towards the World Cup.

“It was an excellent test and it’s exactly what the team needed to prepare for the Rugby World Cup.

“We’re expecting an even tougher match in Buenos Aires, and we anticipate that it will be hard-fought match until the final whistle.

“We’re facing a passionate Argentine team that believes they could have won the last match in front of a crowd that backs them all the way.

“We’ve been here before and it is never easy, so it will be a challenge for the players and the team to perform under pressure, and we are excited about that.”

The Springbok team is set to be announced at 17:00 on Tuesday afternoon.

Saturday’s Test between the Pumas and Boks at Estadio Jose Amalfitani kicks off on Sunday morning at 21:10.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport