Springboks Prepare For Fierce Aerial Showdown With Argentina In Durban

The Springboks have turned the art of contestable kicking into a weapon, and it proved devastating in their record-breaking win over the All Blacks in Wellington. But as they shift focus to Argentina, there’s a sense that Saturday’s clash at Kings Park won’t be as straightforward in the air.

Lessons From Wellington

Against New Zealand, every high ball launched by Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Manie Libbok seemed to land like a dagger. Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker thrived under the bombs, reclaiming possession and sparking the 43-10 demolition job. For Bok fans, it was vintage rugby the blend of tactical smarts and physicality that has so often defined their success.

But Argentina are a different beast. Unlike the All Blacks, they relish the aerial contest. Their wins earlier in the competition showed how dangerous they are when reclaiming high kicks and striking from broken play. South Africans may remember the torment Tomas Albornoz caused last year, and his return from injury adds another layer of intrigue.

Libbok Sounds The Warning

Libbok, who will start from the bench with Feinberg-Mngomezulu wearing the No 10 jersey, knows what’s coming. “It’s going to be a massive battle. They are very good in the air, but we also pride ourselves when it comes to the aerial game,” he told reporters.

His comments echo a growing sentiment among fans online: this fixture could be decided in the skies above Durban. Social media has been buzzing with predictions of a “kick tennis” marathon, while others have joked that the game might be better watched with binoculars.

Sevens Flair Meets Bok Power

Argentina’s backline is stacked with players who cut their teeth in Sevens rugby fast, elusive, and unafraid of chaos. Santiago Carreras remains a constant danger, while Albornoz’s skillset makes him one of the most underrated flyhalves in world rugby. “They are very good rugby players, and it’s tough to shut them down when they get going,” Libbok admitted.

The Boks, however, have their own firepower. Damian Willemse continues to grow as a general at fullback, while Kolbe and Canan Moodie bring pace and hunger for loose ball. Add Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi’s steel upfront, and it becomes a question of whether South Africa’s structure can tame Argentina’s flair.

What’s At Stake

Saturday’s clash is more than just another Rugby Championship fixture. A win in Durban puts the Boks in pole position for the title before next weekend’s neutral Test in London. For fans filling Kings Park, it’s a chance to see their team edge closer to back-to-back Rugby Championship triumphs and to witness whether South Africa can maintain its dominance in the air.

As one fan posted on X: “If Kolbe owns the skies, we own the game.”

The aerial battle is coming, and both sides know that whoever wins it will be one step closer to silverware.

{Source:IOL }

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