Ageless Steyn steps up as Marx muzzles Pumas

Another calculated Frans Steyn cameo and another mighty effort from Malcolm Marx were two of the most significant stand outs from the Springboks 34-20 win against the Pumas in Buenos Aires, writes Mark Keohane.

As in Sydney, when the Boks scored a four tries to one bonus point win against the Wallabies, the South Africans were again in bonus-point country, scoring five tries to two.

Argentina’s two tries were both a case of charitable match-officiating from a trio who were out of their depth. But neither the officials, nor a passionate home crowd were powerful enough to deny the Springboks a fabulous win.

The Pumas are difficult to beat in Argentina. Add in a TMO dressed in blue and white and it becomes an even greater challenge.

The Boks, with Marx to the fore for 82 minutes, were clinical and composed in the first 40. They led 22-6 and were unfortunate that it wasn’t by more. Lood de Jager had a try disallowed and Damian Willemse, with a bit more goal-kicking accuracy, could have added seven more points.

The Pumas were improved in the second half and despite being the beneficiaries of two dubious yellow cards and one particularly flawed decision in awarding a penalty try, never looked like beating the Springboks.

And they won’t when the two teams meet on Saturday to determine the winner of the Rugby Championship.

The Boks will be too strong, especially if the same pack starts again.

Marx, finally given the chance to start and finish, has been without comparison. Frans Malherbe, at tighthead, is comfortably South Africa’s best No 3 and Steven Kitshoff, at loosehead, has revelled.

Eben Etzebeth saves his best for the Boks, as does Siya Kolisi and the engine on Franco Mostert runs and runs.

Jasper Wiese, powerful as the starting No 8, had a very good replacement in Elrigh Louw in Buenos Aires and Deon Fourie, in the final quarter, was like a dog with a bone at the breakdown. Kwagga Smith had a big impact and his yellow card was as baffling as the awarding of a penalty try because of Smith’s supposedly high tackle.

Jaden Hendrikse has moved ahead of Faf de Klerk as the form No 9 in the squad, Jessie Kriel enjoyed a very good outing at No 13 and Damian Willemse will be the wiser for another outing at No 10 before a head knock ended his match.

Up stepped the veteran Frans Steyn, this time at flyhalf.

The result was inevitably the same – success.

Willie le Roux, despite getting a team yellow card for a repeated offside offence, put down another marker for the 2023 World Cup and while there was little opportunity for both wingers Mapimpi and Moodie, there was plenty of work for inside centre Damian de Allende.

Ox Nche was busy and Trevor Nyakane was … well … not quite as busy. The latter’s performance, from a distance, was the least pleasing of a very pleasing Springboks Test win.

Bring on South Africa’s final in Durban.

How Zel’s and I called it

#ARGvRSA – @mark_keohane and Zelim Nel expect the @Springboks to win a high-scoring game against Argentina on Saturday.pic.twitter.com/mygxy0CM6m

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) September 17, 2022

READ: ALL THE TEST MATCH REACTION ON SA RUGBY MAGAZINE