Captain Duane Vermeulen hopes the Springboks can channel their emotions as his side face Argentina in their final home match before the Rugby World Cup.
Vermeulen earns his 68th Test cap in the Rugby Championship fixture, which is set to be his last on home soil.
It will also be Jacques Nienaber’s and assistant Felix Jones’ final home game as Springbok coaches in South Africa.
Nienaber will join Leinster, replacing Stuart Lancaster as the side’s senior head coach, while Jones will join England’s coaching staff.
Last game on home soil
Meanwhile, Vermeulen may decide to hang up his boots after the Rugby World Cup.
“As a team, we spoke about the fact that it’s probably my last game in the Springboks jersey in SA, and it will also be the last for two of our coaches,” said Vermeulen.
“It may be a bit emotional, but the important thing for me will be to channel that emotion into leading the team well.
“It’s also our last game on home soil before the Rugby World Cup, and we want to finish on a high note.
“If we play well and get a good result, it would be even more special.”
Opportunity to seal a Rugby World Cup spot
After losing to New Zealand in round two of the tournament, South Africa are looking to bounce back strongly against Los Pumas.
Meanwhile, the lure of featuring at the World Cup is added incentive for the players to be on top of their game as they look to make a statement before Nienaber announces his 33-man squad on Tuesday, August 8.
“The World Cup squad has not been named yet, so this will be an opportunity for every player in the squad to try to cement a place in the group,” the stand-in captain added.
“As players, it is vital that we use every opportunity we get, and if we deliver quality performances, it will allow us to play the way we want to play against Argentina.”
Turning his attention to this weekend’s opponents, Vermeulen highlighted the physical challenge Argentina pose, particularly in the pack.
“We definitely can’t sit back and rest on our laurels,” the veteran back-rower said.
“Argentina are a physical side, and they can play a complete game. They have strong forwards, skilful backs, and a massive work rate. They also don’t stand back.
“As forwards, we need to step up because we want to give Grant [Williams] and Manie [Libbok] the platform to have a good game.
“We didn’t do that for Faf [de Klerk] against New Zealand, and we’ve been working hard to ensure that we get things right this week.”
Springboks won’t write off Argentina
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed Vermeulen’s sentiments, pointing to Los Pumas’ last-gasp victory over Australia last time out.
“It would be stupid to write off Argentina, especially after their victory against Australia,” Stick said.
“They’ve delivered some fantastic results in the last two seasons, so you can never underestimate them. They are a good team, and if we are off our game, they will punish us.
“Hopefully, we can go out there tomorrow and rectify the things we did wrong against New Zealand.
“It’s also our last home game before the Rugby World Cup, so it’s important to deliver a good performance.”
READ MORE: Springboks v Los Pumas preview: South Africa to end Rugby Championship on a high at Ellis Park
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