The Springboks may not have produced their most convincing performance against Argentina, but Rassie Erasmus believes the difficult 17-10 victory could prove hugely valuable ahead of their blockbuster series against New Zealand.
South Africa were forced to work throughout a tense Test in Buenos Aires, with Argentina matching the world champions physically and keeping the contest alive until the closing stages.
The Springboks led only 10-10 at half-time before Cameron Hanekom’s 62nd-minute try finally created separation. Argentina continued to threaten, but South Africa held on to secure a seven-point victory.
For Erasmus, the significance of the result went beyond the scoreboard.
Argentina provide a test of Springboks’ composure
South Africa entered the match with several players returning from injury and limited recent game time. Erasmus had already anticipated that his side would lack fluency after making significant changes to the squad.
Those concerns were evident in an attack that struggled to consistently build pressure.
However, the Springboks demonstrated another part of their game that could become crucial against New Zealand: their ability to remain composed when a match becomes uncomfortable.
Argentina repeatedly challenged South Africa in the closing stages, with the home crowd creating an intimidating atmosphere.
The Springboks nevertheless managed to protect their lead and avoid allowing the game to slip away.
Physical battle offers encouragement
Erasmus was particularly pleased that South Africa managed to win the physical battle against a powerful Argentina side.
The Springboks conceded only one try, while their defensive structure remained largely intact despite the pressure applied by the hosts.
That defensive resilience could be particularly important when South Africa face the All Blacks, with the first Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series scheduled for August 22 at Ellis Park.
Rather than viewing the Argentina performance as a warning sign, Erasmus can therefore use it as a valuable rehearsal for the pressure expected against New Zealand.
Attack remains the biggest concern
The biggest issue for the Springboks is undoubtedly their attacking fluency.
Erasmus openly acknowledged that South Africa need to improve in that area, with a number of players still working their way back to full match fitness.
The coach was nevertheless encouraged by the fact that his players found a way to win despite not performing at their best.
That ability to grind out results could become just as important as attacking brilliance when the margins are tight against the All Blacks.
South Africa will now regroup in Johannesburg, with the wider squad set to reunite before attention turns fully towards New Zealand.
For Erasmus, the Argentina Test may not have been pretty, but it delivered precisely the kind of uncomfortable experience his side can learn from before one of the biggest challenges of their season.