3.35am
SOUTH AFRICA 26 ARGENTINA 25
PORT ELIZABETH - Springbok first five-eighth Louis Koen came to his team's rescue when he kicked a penalty on fulltime to give them an undeserved victory over a gallant Argentina side.
Argentina's solid scrumming, strong tackling and spoiling tactics were enough to keep the Springboks on the
back foot for most of the match.
While Koen was South Africa's saviour with the boot, his slow distribution of the ball meant the speedsters like Stefan Terreblanche, Gcobani Bobo and Pieter Rossouw did not get many chances to stretch their legs.
South Africa started well, storming to a 10-0 lead, thanks to a try by hooker Danie Coetzee and a penalty and conversion by Koen. However, this did not last long as the Pumas scored three tries through man-of-the-match Felipe Contepomi, Jose Maria Nunez Piossek and Juan Martin Hernandez to lead 25-16 after 76 minutes. During this time Koen and his opposite number Gonzalo Quesada swapped penalties.
As in the tests against Scotland, it was only when the Springboks were faced with defeat that they finally sprang into action. They were given a sense of urgency by their replacements, loose forward Bob Skinstad, lock Selborne Boome and utility back Brent Russell. Russell, as he has done so in the past, provided the magic and scampered over for a well worked try.
The Springboks began throwing everything at Argentina, but it seemed to be too little too late. However a good burst upfield by eighthman Pedrie Wannenburg put the home team in range. The Pumas' infringed and Koen kicked the winning penalty just before the final whistle went.
Argentina were justifiably upset at losing a game they felt they should have won. Coming off a series win over France, the Argentinians were hoping to build towards the World Cup in Australia this November. However, even though they lost, the Argentinians showed they don't have to stand back for anyone.
Scores: Springboks: Tries by Danie Coetzee (13 min) and Brent Russell (88 min). Louis Koen kicked two conversions and four penalties.
Argentina: Tries by Felipe Contepomi (30 min), Jose Maria Nunez Piossek (34 min) and Juan Martin Hernandez (75 min). Gonzalo Quesada kicked two conversions and two penalties.
- HERALD STAFF
