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Boks to get physical

Handy Tips: Eddie Jones and Allister Coetzee

South Africa cannot afford to take half a step backwards and must meet Argentina head-on with brute force when the two sides meet in a World Cup semi-final clash at Stade de France on Sunday night.

Springbok forwards coach Gert Smal and backline mentor Allister Coetzee pointed to the physical threat posed by the Pumas and said the South Africans need to "pitch up physically" or risk being blown away by an ever-improving Argentinean team.

Speaking at their base in Paris, Bok coach Jake White's assistants made it clear that they expect a brutal, physical encounter from a Pumas team known for its powerful forwards.

Coetzee said that it would be vital to employ the correct tactics, telling a media gathering on Tuesday: "You have to be tactically up for it and play correctly.

"Also, physically, you have to stand up to Argentina. If you don't pitch up physically and keep it close, then we'll play into their hands and we could be in for a hiding.

"You've got to make sure you have a good kicking game and make sure you apply the pressure, but tactically and physically you have to pitch up."

Coetzee pointed to areas such as the scrum and driving play where the Pumas will target the Boks.

"We don't want to get caught out like the French [in the tournament's opening match]," he said. "They are a passionate nation and they want to get to the final."

Smal echoed similar sentiments, saying that it would again be up to the senior Springboks - much like they did in the last 20 minutes in the 37-20 quarter-final win over Fiji last week - to stand up when the pressure is on.

Smal admitted that the powerful Pumas pack could pose problems for the Boks, who have looked vulnerable in the scrums at times.

He wants to see players such as record caps holder Percy Montgomery, prop Os du Randt, the only surviving member of the 1995 World Cup-winning side, and Victor Matfield rallying the team against the Pumas.

"We know what they are going to throw at us," Smal said.

"Yes, we haven't lost in the past [to Argentina], but this is the World Cup. It is very important on the day that what you plan and prepare is executed with conviction and that the senior players, in the difficult times, be composed and pull it through, right to the end."

Smal warned of the power of the Pumas forwards, who have dominated two of the most feared packs in the northern hemisphere - the French and Irish - on their way to a first-ever semi-final appearance.

"That is obviously their strength," said Smal. "Their whole game is played around that. They are a good scrumming pack, a good mauling pack and their line-out is not too shabby."

Smal said it was imperative that the Springboks retained the ball when tackled and not to give away too many turnovers - an area where the Pumas believe they saw weaknesses in the South Africans against Fiji.

"Especially against Argentina the ball-carrier is quite important and also the accuracy of the clean out is very important," he said.

Coetzee feels that if the Boks do have an edge, it is out wide where they have speedsters like Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen, adding: "One thing we do have is pace and we can be comfortable with that."