Boks make tactical about-turn for must-win RWC warm-up game
Twice world champions South Africa hope a tactical U-turn and the recalling of "bone collector" Willem Alberts will prevent a second humiliating defeat at the hands of Argentina when the teams meet in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game this weekend.
Twice world champions South Africa hope a tactical U-turn and recalling "bone collector" Willem Alberts will prevent a second humiliating defeat in rapid succession at the hands of Argentina.
After taking 7,941 days to achieve a first-ever test victory over the Springboks, the Pumas have home advantage in Buenos Aires as they seek to repeat the feat just seven days later.
Argentina scored a stunning 37-25 win in Durban last Saturday - the first against South Africa in 20 attempts spanning 23 years, and their first Rugby Championship away win since their 2012 debut.
A sixth defeat in eight tests started a nightmare period for South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer, who apologised to the nation and came under media and trade union fire for not picking enough black players.
Meyer denied claims by national labour body COSATU that he was a "racist", then chose a team for Buenos Aires including four black players, one more than he has ever started with previously.