'It would be a big mistake': Springboks warn against taking Argentina lightly

Assistant coach Deon Davids said on Monday that the world champions are fully focused on the one-off Test, rejecting suggestions that they already have one eye on the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.

A massive tour against the visiting New Zealanders awaits in South Africa, but before that, there is the small matter of facing Los Pumas in Buenos Aires.

The Boks arrived in Argentina in the early hours of Sunday morning and resumed their preparations with their first field training session on Monday.

"It's a big Test match for us," said Davids.

"It has never been easy, especially in Buenos Aires, so it's important that we improve on the areas of our game in which we would like to.

"We are also very clear in terms of what we want to achieve, so our focus will be on ourselves and trying to play the way we want to against a formidable opponent.

"I've been very clear about this, our focus is on Argentina," he added. "We want to do our best to win a Test match for South Africa, while at the same time improving our game and continuing to build for the rest of the season.

"That is the most important thing for us. We are not focusing on any other game for the rest of the year right now. This week it's all about Argentina, and we don't approach any game as a warm-up. Every Test match is important for our country and what we stand for as a team."

Davids also all but confirmed that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, veteran locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager and breakout flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are among those set to make their long-awaited returns in Bok colours this weekend.

"It's fantastic to have Eben and Lood back, and also the other players who were injured and haven't played in a while, such as Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) and the other guys. They're experienced players, and they mean a lot in our system.

"Fortunately, we had a very good build-up to this game at our camp in Johannesburg last week, so this is a fantastic opportunity for them to play, and it is important as we build towards the rest of the season."

The Boks know they face a wounded and passionate Argentina side, eager to make amends for their disappointing Nations Championship defeats by Scotland and England on home soil last month, and cannot afford to take them lightly.

"They are a very passionate team, especially at home, and it has always been a case of grinding it out right until the end against them," he said.

"It's never easy. If you come to Argentina with the mentality of seeing it as a warm-up game, you would make a big mistake. They have their own goals. They want to win the game, improve, and prove they belong on the biggest stage.

"They also want to build their team depth with their brilliant youngsters coming through, so it's going to be a passionate, gutsy Test match and a good challenge, and we're really looking forward to it."

READ MORE: The story of Frans Malherbe is not yet written, confirms Bok boss