FILE - The Springboks’ hooker Malcolm Marx scores a try during their Rugby Championship Test match against the All Blacks. Marx says the Springboks need to a produce an 80-minute performance against Argentina on Saturday. FILE - The Springboks’ hooker Malcolm Marx scores a try during their Rugby Championship Test match against the All Blacks. Marx says the Springboks need to a produce an 80-minute performance against Argentina on Saturday. Picture: Rodger Bosch / AFP)
Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx says the Springboks are determined to right the wrongs of their previous outing against Argentina when the two teams meet in the Rugby Championship decider on Saturday.
Argentina produced a some great rugby in a scintillating 20 minute spell that coincided with a yellow card for wing Kurt-Lee Arendse. Argentina scored four tries in that period, as the Boks fell off the pace after a good start in the heat Santiago del Estero.
"But we had a good review of the game, and we identified where we can improve this week," Marx said.
“We started off well and were unable to maintain that intensity until the end in Argentina, so it’s vital that we play for the full 80 minutes.
“That said, we know how tough it’s going to be to come away with a win this week, so we are under no illusions about the challenge ahead.”
However, Marx said they expect another big challenge, especially as Argentina are still in with a chance of winning the title. Los Pumas need to beat with Boks with a bonus point at the Mbombela Stadium, while preventing their host from getting a losing bonus point.
Argentina have had an historic campaign, beating all three of their Rugby Championship opponents in the same year for the very first time.
“They had a great game last week and this is the first time that they beat the Springboks, New Zealand and Australia in one season,” said Marx.
“This is also the first time they are in the running for the title, so it’s going to be an epic challenge, but we are looking forward to it. They are difficult to contain. They stepped me once or twice last week, so they have good players who really bring the game to you.
“That said, we’ve trained hard this week, and we know what we have to correct from last week and do this week to pull things through.”
@JohnGoliath82
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