South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber wary of Argentina challenge

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has urged his side to be wary of Argentina as the two teams lock horns with each other for the Rugby Championship opener in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Argentina had a prolific Rugby Championship last year where they defeated New Zealand and managed two drawn games against Australia. They also had a successful July series this year with a win and a draw against Wales in the two-match series apart from a win against Romania.

Nienaber has made 10 changes to the starting line up for the weekend's encounter from the side that played against the British and Irish Lions in the third and deciding Test which they won 19-16.

Nevertheless, the 48-year-old is aware of the threat the Pumas possess.

“In the changes we had to make, there’s zero disrespect to Argentina and we had this conversation with the players,” Nienaber said.

“Since the World Cup, they’ve played seven Tests and they’ve only lost one. Last year they played twice against New Zealand, twice against Australia and (last month) twice against Wales, the Six Nations champions.

“They are tactically astute and we have to really nail our planning if we are to break them down because they boast a phenomenal defence and have an attack with fast wings who can score from turnovers."

Following the game on 14th August, the two teams will once again meet on 21st August at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for the second round of the tournament.