Springboks will have a ‘final’ mentality when they take on Pumas

The Springboks will treat the clash against Argentina on Saturday like a final.

That is the assurance hard-working loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon gave as the world champions started their preparation on Monday in Buenos Aires ahead of the second-last Rugby Championship Test in Santiago del Estero on Saturday evening (kick-off 11pm SA time).

South Africa only need three points to seal a first Championship title since 2019. The Springboks enjoy an eight-point lead at the top of the points table over Los Pumas, the only other side still in the running to claim the crown.

According to Dixon, who is set to fill the big boots of double World Cup winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, the Boks must be clinical to come away with the victory away from their home fans.

The #Springboks have touched down in Argentina and Ben-Jason Dixon said they can't wait to hit the training ground again on Monday - more here: https://t.co/LajHYRrl7k 🏉#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/z4YeR9CDgw

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 15, 2024

“Our mindset going into the week will be to treat it like a final, and I’m sure everyone in the squad will zoom into the game that way, so that we can hopefully get the win,” the rookie said, according to the SA Rugby website.

“They obviously like to play with the ball, so we cannot give them anything to pounce on, meaning the keys for us will be to control our possession and play well when we have the ball.”

It will be the first time Dixon gets a taste of the hostility associated with Argentinian rugby crowds. Los Pumas have beaten New Zealand and Australia so far in the Championship and will want to add the scalp of the reigning world champions to that list.

“A lot of people say it’s quite a hostile feeling playing in a stadium in Argentina where the fans really love their team and make it difficult for the opposition, although not in a bad way, they just won’t make it easy.

“But it’s a privilege to play against them here, and I’m hopeful I’ll get a chance to play. Just being here is great because I’ve always wanted to visit South America.

“We also had a quick stop-over in Sao Paulo on our way here. So, I’m keen to see a little of Buenos Aires and get back to training.

“Similarly to the Australia trip – also my first experience there – it was not bad. We could sleep a little on the aeroplane and we had a good night’s rest last, so it worked out well.”