The key to victory: Five Springboks who must deliver against Argentina

The Springboks are on the cusp of history as they aim to secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time when they face Argentina in the second Test at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.

A bonus-point victory in London (3pm kick-off) will be enough for the world champions to clinch the title. Importantly, they will know at kick-off exactly what is required from them in this decisive clash.

Here are five players who could be crucial to the Boks’ cause as they chase a second consecutive Championship crown.

Backing Up His Statement Performance

The Boks’ young star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stole the show in Durban, scoring a record-breaking 37 points in the 67-30 victory. He delivered a commanding performance to steer the team to victory — but now comes a sterner test.

This weekend will be his first start at Twickenham, away from home fans and under the glare of an enormous occasion. After such a sensational display, the pressure will be on the youngster to back it up. His maturity suggests he won’t be overawed. Key to his role will be accurate kicking from hand and igniting the Bok backline in attack.

Dominating the Collisions

If Jasper Wiese is as secure under kick-offs as he was last Saturday, and he continues to bulldoze through Argentine defenders with his trademark runs, the Boks will enjoy the front-foot ball they crave in this finale.

The hard yards he made every time he fielded high balls in Durban were instrumental in setting up attacking platforms. Just as vital will be his defensive contributions against a typically physical Pumas pack. Another powerhouse display in the No. 8 jersey could tilt the contest South Africa’s way.

Laying the Platform

As always, the Bok forwards will look to make inroads up front, with the scrums the first battleground. The return of Ox Nché to the starting line-up makes life far more difficult for Argentina.

Having missed out on a home start in Durban, the loosehead will be itching to impose himself at Twickenham. With Boan Venter having impressed in his absence, Nché knows the standard he must maintain. Expect him to relish the challenge.

Thomas Will Empty His Tank

On the other side of the front row, Thomas du Toit has been grafting away with little fanfare — and this weekend he’ll be tasked with more of the same. His work at tighthead lays the foundation for destructive replacement Wilco Louw to make maximum impact in the second half.

Du Toit’s physicality will also be critical beyond the set-piece: his influence at the breakdown and in defence could prove just as important as his scrummaging.

Options With Pieter-Steph du Toit

Though he has popped up in wider channels in recent games, Pieter-Steph du Toit remains South Africa’s most important enforcer when it comes to collisions and defensive work.

He made a terrific contribution in that regard at Kings Park, while also supporting play in the wider channels. The tireless flanker has been a constant presence in a thriving Bok pack and will look to round off the Championship with another commanding display — and perhaps add a few more tries to his tally.