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Pumas Can Make It Tough
By Betting Zone October 14 2007
Irrespective of where Argentina finish in this year's World Cup, the 2008 tournament has been a huge success for them and will further strengthen their case to be included in either the Six Nations or the Tri-Nations tournaments within the next few years.
A victory against South Africa would be the icing on the cake for Marcelo Loffreda's men and they have a much better chance of doing this than the odds suggest.

Although their match against Scotland was closer than anticipated last Sunday evening, the Pumas did look in control and - if anything - took their foot off the gas in the second-half.

They will enjoy being the underdogs again this weekend and South Africa better have their wits about them or they could be the Pumas' next victims.

The Springboks looked very solid in the first half against Fiji but then had an almighty scare as their opponents came right back into it in the second half.

The Bok backs didn't like the Fijians running at them so if Argentina can abandon their up and under tactics and run at the South Africans, then they should have a really good chance of winning this game.

Argentina's preparations for the biggest game of their history appear to have been hit by fitness worries to Agustin Pichot, Juan Martin Hernandez, Felipe Contepomi and Ignacio Corleto. The quartet were excused from full training on Thursday due to bumps, bruising and shakes picked up over the last week.

Loffreda will be hoping that these four can recover in time otherwise their side - and their chances of reaching the final - will be seriously depleted.

The Springboks are in a little better shape, with only one change to the side which beat Fiji in Marseille. Star prop CJ van der Linde has been cleared to return to action replacing Jannie du Plessis at tight head.

This game is likely to be very close and could go either way. The Pumas look certain to continue to play a territorial game and with Hernandez in rude form with the boot, they could surprise the Springboks here.

However, they will need to score a try to win this game and as ferocious as their pack is, the backs need to take responsibility for this and need to be a little more expansive in their outlook. The Boks are favourites for this game and may well win it, but Argentina look a pretty good bet to keep them within the handicap.

Verdict: South Africa by three.

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