Coach Rassie wary of Los Pumas’ rise

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus admits to being uneasy about tomorrow’s crunch Rugby Championship clash with the Pumas at Kings Park, knowing the South Americans believe they can emulate their heroes of a decade ago — when they shocked the Boks at the very same venue.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Pumas are a different beast under Felipe Contepomi, a coach Erasmus admires from their playing days, when the Argentine ran the show at flyhalf and Erasmus patrolled the flank for South Africa. Already this year, Contepomi’s side have beaten the British and Irish Lions, Australia, and New Zealand.

“I have watched Felipe’s coaching career with interest,’ Erasmus said of his opposite number. “He has put together a coaching staff with an international flavour. Their lineout coach, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, is exceptional; they have a highball coach from Ireland, and their attack coach is New Zealander Kendrick Lynn.

“They have a lot of experience and different cultures, and their players are based all over the world. Felipe has got them organised. They are energetic, fearless, and well-balanced.