'It is up to us to keep The Rugby Championship open and alive' - Argentina head coach Michael Cheika

Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has urged his side to keep the Rugby Championship competition alive as they face South Africa in the fifth round at Estadio Libertadores de America on Sunday.

The Pumas have impressed in the ongoing competition with wins over Australia and New Zealand in the first four rounds that has seen them rise to the sixth position in the World Rugby Rankings.

The competitiveness of Argentina meant the tournament was wide open after the first four rounds with New Zealand holding the top place with 10 points while the other three teams were with nine points. Nevertheless, Ian Foster's men have extended their lead at the top with a close 39-37 win over Australia in Melbourne on Thursday.

"It is up to us to keep The Rugby Championship open and alive," said Cheika.

"When we got back to work at the start of the week, everyone had a good attitude, very positive and have concentrated on the strategy for the game.

"It will be important to impose our way of playing. South Africa are a lot different to play against than Australia and New Zealand. It will be a different dynamic."

South Africa and Argentina have played against each other 32 times with the Springboks winning 28 out of it while the Pumas registered three victories that came in 2015, 2016 and 2018.