De Villiers cautious of Puma power
Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:43
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has cautioned against underestimating the powerful Argentinean side ahead of their Mandela Tribute Test in Johannesburg on Saturday - a re-match of last year's World Cup semifinal.
The encounter between South Africa and Argentina is part of a week long tribute to former President Nelson Mandela and the contribution he has made to South African rugby.
"Those who anticipate a routine walk through ahead of the home leg of the Tri-Nations are severely mistaken," the Bok mentor said.
"If you look closely at this Pumas side, it's full of quality, especially in the pack. We are in for a real test on Saturday."
De Villiers made mention of the fact that the Pumas forwards contain five members (four started) from their team that contested the RWC semifinal with the Boks.
"They are a very experienced unit, renowned as probably the finest scrummagers in the game. The key pillars of their line-out, hooker Mario Ledesma and lock Patricio Albacete, remain from the World Cup. They will contest the set piece very ably."
De Villiers also respects the direction the experienced Felipe Contepomi will provide from flyhalf. The Argentine captain, an international veteran with over 60 caps for the Pumas, starred in the World Cup in the No.12 jersey.
"Contepomi is a world-class player with a very accurate boot. We know his strengths and it will be up to us to try and contain him. He showed at the World Cup how dangerous he can be, both through his boot and with ball in hand."
The clash between the first and fourth ranked teams on the International Rugby Board (IRB) ratings promises to be a fitting culmination of the week-long tribute to Madiba.
The Boks visited the former President in his Houghton home earlier this week, and conducted a coaching clinic in Soweto on Wednesday for 300 local schoolchildren in his honour.
