Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has insisted his side will not be underestimating Santiago Phelan’s Argentina when the two sides clash in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
The Pumas may have suffered a surprise home defeat to Italy last month but the World Cup semi-finalists still sit fourth in the IRB world rankings.
"Those who anticipate a routine walkthrough ahead of the home leg of the Tri-Nations are severely mistaken," said de Villiers.
“f you look closely at this Pumas side, it’s full of quality, especially in the pack. We are in for a real test tomorrow."
De Villiers expects a tough challenge from an experienced set of Argentine forwards which includes four of the eight who started the World Cup semi-final last October.
"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 made mention of Pumas captain Felipe Contepomi, a player who he believes the Boks will have to watch carefully for the full 80 minutes at Coca Cola Park.
"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."
