South Africa vs Argentina Prediction: Pumas prepared to push Boks

South Africa blew New Zealand away 43-10 in Round 4 of the Rugby Championship, and all four sides start the fifth weekend with two wins and two defeats.

Australia lead the standings on 11 points, one ahead of the Boks and the Kiwis, while Argentina are bottom, despite beating both the Wallabies and the All Blacks. They head to Durban looking to claim only their second-ever victory on South African soil, having won at Kings Park in 2015.

Home boss Rassie Erasmus has hinted that his team are unlikely to play with the same flair as in their Wellington win a fortnight ago, and Los Pumas are good enough to stay in touch. Read on for our South Africa vs Argentina prediction.

Team News

South Africa have had to make two late changes to the team they initially named, with Damian Willemse and Eben Etzebeth having to withdraw. Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi start instead.

Argentina have made three alterations, all of them in the pack. Pablo Matera starts at blindside flanker in place of Juan Martin Gonzalez, while Lucas Paulos and Franco Molina come in for Pedro Rubiolo and Guido Petti in the second row.

All three drop to the bench and are part of a six-two split.

South Africa vs Argentina Odds

South Africa are the 2/13 favourites to win in Durban, with the draw 28/1 and a historic away victory for Argentina 9/2.

Pumas fly-half Tomas Albornoz starts on the bench on Saturday. However, he scored tries in both 2024 meetings and, against a tiring defence, could be a handy play to go over again.

Argentina +13 @ 21/20

This fixture is the first of a double-header, with the duo set to renew hostilities next weekend at Twickenham.

Argentina were unlucky to lose late on against Australia in Townsville before getting revenge in Sydney.

However, unlike at those venues, the heat won't be a factor at Kings Park with the wind blowing in off the Indian Ocean.

A lack of forecast rain hints that there could be some running rugby, but the Pumas have benefited from returning to a more set-piece-centred game, playing when the right opportunities arise, having previously looked to become more expansive.

Erasmus' comments could be a double bluff, but the business end of tournaments is when the Rugby Championship holders usually come into their own by reverting to their traditional forward-based domination.

Argentina's forwards will come at them and Felipe Contepomi's decision to name a six-two split on the bench means they should be strong enough to put in an 80-minute performance.

South Africa are the rightful favourites. However, in a game likely to feature plenty of forward play, it could be tight and Santi Carreras' kicking from hand and the team can help the visitors finish inside a +13 handicap.

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