The clash is a vital one for the back-to-back world champions as it marks their final outing before the historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivals Series against the All Blacks later this month.

South Africa remain unbeaten this season after convincing victories over England, Scotland and Wales, but the trip to the Argentine capital is expected to provide their sternest challenge yet, particularly in the physical battle up front.

Eben Etzebeth and Deon Davids. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Springboks are set to welcome back captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Lood de Jager and Morné van den Berg, paving the way for what could be Rassie Erasmus’ strongest matchday squad of the season when the team is announced on Tuesday.

While many may view the encounter as a dress rehearsal for the highly anticipated clashes against the second-ranked All Blacks, that is certainly not how the Springboks see it. The focus remains firmly on Argentina as they look to maintain their winning momentum and continue building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Assistant coach Deon Davids insisted there is still plenty of work to be done and warned the Pumas will provide another massive challenge.

“It’s a big Test match for us,” said Davids.

“It has never been easy, especially in Buenos Aires, so it’s important that we improve on the areas of our game in which we would like to.

“We are also very clear in terms of what we want to achieve, so our focus will be on ourselves and trying to play the way we want to against a formidable opponent.”

Davids reiterated there is no room for looking ahead to New Zealand.

Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’ve been very clear about this, our focus is on Argentina. We want to do our best to win a Test match for South Africa, while at the same time improving our game and continuing to build for the rest of the season.

“That is the most important thing for us. We are not focusing on any other game for the rest of the year right now. This week it’s all about Argentina, and we don’t approach any game as a warm-up. Every Test match is important for our country and what we stand for as a team.

“They are a very passionate team, especially at home, and it has always been a case of grinding it out right until the end against them.”

Lood de Jager. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s never easy. If you come to Argentina with the mentality of seeing it as a warm-up game, you would make a big mistake. They have their own goals. They want to win the game, improve, and prove they belong on the biggest stage.

“They also want to build their team depth with their brilliant youngsters coming through, so it’s going to be a passionate, gutsy Test match and a good challenge, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, who has recovered from injury, admitted it was frustrating to watch from the sidelines, but said the setback motivated him to return stronger.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The injury was obviously tough, especially with the Boks playing, but it gave me a lot of motivation to work hard to be here,” said Van den Berg, who made his Test debut in Bloemfontein.

“I’ve had some incredible people on my side who helped me a lot, and I’m feeling really good.”

He added that competition for places only drives him to improve. “Those things are completely out of my control. The other players put in the effort and they were rewarded.”

Morné van den Berg. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Personally, I can only face what’s in front of me. The injury afforded me the opportunity to upskill and get fit, so I made the best of the situation. That said, to be back and compete with those guys is incredible.

“At the end of the day, you serve the Springboks, and you do whatever it takes to make the team better.”

Saturday’s Test at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires kicks off at 21:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg