South Africa’s Handre Pollard and Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz are receiving big praise before the second round of the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Both teams lost at home last weekend, so another defeat would hurt their chances of winning the southern hemisphere title.
World champions South Africa were shocked 38-22 by Australia, who won in Johannesburg for the first time in 62 years. Argentina fought hard against New Zealand, cutting a big half-time gap, but the All Blacks still won 41-24 in Cordoba.
This weekend, Cape Town will see South Africa play Australia, while Argentina face New Zealand again in Buenos Aires.
The results changed the world rankings: New Zealand moved to number one, South Africa dropped to third, while Australia and Argentina stayed sixth and seventh.
Pollard, a two-time World Cup winner, will return to the team, replacing Manie Libbok in one of 10 changes made by South Africa. The Springboks had a 22-point lead against Australia but lost control in the second half.
Legendary lock Victor Matfield said on a podcast that the game could have ended differently if Pollard had been on the bench. He added, “Leaving him out was a mistake. Your best players, like Handre, should always play in big matches.”
Victor Matfield said South Africa cannot afford to take big risks in important Test matches. He believes their best players, like Handre Pollard, must always be on the field. Pollard, who played a key role in South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup wins with his accurate kicking, is expected to bring calmness as the Springboks prepare for a must-win game.
On the Australian side, Dylan Pietsch, who scored in Johannesburg, will miss the rematch because of a broken jaw. His place on the left wing goes to Corey Toole, known as the fastest player in Australian rugby.
Both teams are dealing with many injuries. In Cape Town, the captains and try scorers from last week, Siya Kolisi for South Africa and Harry Wilson for Australia, will also be absent.
Former New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald praised Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz on a podcast, saying he has the potential to become a rugby superstar. Albornoz scored a try, kicked three conversions, and added a penalty in his last match, making him the top points scorer early in the Championship. Donald said his kicking was excellent and that his confidence grew as the game went on, showing his pace as well.
While Tomas Albornoz will try to lead Argentina to their first-ever home win against the All Blacks, the rematch will also be a big milestone for New Zealand’s hooker Codie Taylor. The 34-year-old is set to play his 100th Test match for the nine-time Rugby Championship winners. Coach Scott Robertson praised Taylor, calling him “a great All Black,” and said his professionalism and consistency make him a role model for the team.
It will also be a special day for No. 8 Simon Parker, who is making his debut alongside Ardie Savea and Tupou Vaa’i in the back row. Robertson said Parker earned his place through hard work and consistent performances, describing him as strong and ready to make an impact.
On the bench, New Zealand will have prop Tamaiti Williams and loose forward Wallace Sititi, who return after recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s captain Julian Montoya pointed out a key weakness from their last game against the All Blacks, saying: “Many of our mistakes came in the final minutes of each half. That’s the period we must improve on.”
FAQ
Why are Handre Pollard and Tomas Albornoz in the spotlight ahead of the second round?
Both fly-halves impressed with their recent performances and are expected to play key roles for South Africa and Argentina this weekend.
Who will South Africa face in the second round of the Rugby Championship?
South Africa will face Australia in Cape Town after suffering a surprising defeat to the Wallabies in Johannesburg.
Who are Argentina’s opponents in the second-round clash?
Argentina will play against New Zealand in Buenos Aires, looking to bounce back after their opening defeat in Cordoba.
What changes have South Africa made for this match?
The Springboks made several changes, including bringing back Handre Pollard, whose goal-kicking and calmness are seen as vital.
