From lineouts to flyhalves: Where Boks and Pumas could win the Test

The stage is set for a highly entertaining and bruising battle in Durban on Saturday afternoon as the Springboks and Argentina clash in the first of their two-Test Rugby Championship encounters.

Kings Park (5.10pm kick-off) will provide the backdrop for a contest packed with individual battles that could swing the outcome. From collisions up front to attacking threats out wide, the player matchups promise to be as fierce as the stakes, with both sides desperate to gain the upper hand in this crucial phase of the competition.

We look at five mini battles that could decide the duel.

Siya Kolisi vs Pablo Matera

The Springbok captain has been playing some of his best rugby in the tournament after an early-season injury cast doubt on his involvement. Having worked his way back, he has been crucial since his return.

Operating on the side of the scrum is where Kolisi belongs, and his influence in both attack and defence cannot be overstated. His speed to the ruck remains a massive asset.

However, his opposite number Pablo Matera, brings just as much danger, combining physicality and experience to keep the Boks on high alert. There is a reason why the flanker has been brought in from the bench by his coach to counter the Springbok power game.

Manning the last line

The two players responsible for patrolling the last line of defence and defusing high kicks will play a crucial role in this encounter. How the two fullbacks perform could directly shape the result.

Damian Willemse and Juan Cruz Mallía are both reliable under the high ball and possess sharp tactical kicking games. But their value extends beyond that—how they join the backline in attack will be pivotal.

Both are known for their strong running and ability to conjure scoring opportunities out of nothing, contributions that could prove decisive.

Battle of the bruisers

Perhaps the fiercest duel of the afternoon will come between Pieter-Steph du Toit and Argentina’s enforcer Marcos Kremer. Du Toit is renowned for doing the tireless, often unheralded work that allows his team to thrive, while Kremer has developed into the heartbeat of Los Pumas’ physicality.

Once considered a liability at times, Kremer has shed his “penalty machine” tag by improving his discipline significantly. Now a defensive wall and a relentless ball-carrier, he matches Du Toit in work rate and intensity.

Expect bone-crunching collisions between these two.

A strong lineout performance

Both Malcolm Marx and Julián Montoya have endured challenges with lineout accuracy, and Saturday presents a stern test for them to get this key set-piece firing. Securing clean possession will be critical in dictating territory and tempo.

Beyond their throwing, however, both hookers are crucial in other aspects of play. Marx brings strong carries, a destructive presence at the breakdown, and ferocious defensive contributions. Montoya, meanwhile, is tenacious over the ball and will look to disrupt the Boks’ rhythm whenever possible.

Their duel could be pivotal in establishing momentum.

Pulling the strings at 10

For Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, this is another chance to showcase his quality after an injury-disrupted season. Starting at flyhalf for a second consecutive match, he must direct the Boks’ backline with authority and keep the scoreboard ticking, especially as they chase a possible bonus-point win.

On the opposite side, Santiago Carreras’ selection ahead of Tomás Albornoz underlines Argentina’s trust in his abilities. He has been instrumental in previous victories and will once again be tasked with unlocking opportunities for Los Pumas.

With both playmakers carrying heavy responsibility, this battle could define the flow of the game.