Argentina - 7 Sth Africa - 39: Argentina, deprived of most of their best European-based professionals, were soundly beaten in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The Pumas, fresh from upsetting France 24-14 and narrowly losing 21-19 to Ireland at Lansdowne Road, might have secured a first home victory over the Springboks with a full side.
But a club-versus-country clash on a European Cup day in Europe meant the South Americans could call on only six of the team that started their two internationals in Europe.
Tri-nations champions South Africa were without several members of the squad that finished their November tour of Britain and Ireland with two wins and two defeats. Two tries by Gaffie du Toit who also added 14 points with his boot settled the match for South Africa who led 36-7 at half-time.
Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda praised a "dignified effort" by his young Pumas team despite their defeat.
"The balance is positive," said Loffreda. "I'm left with a sense of approval due to the circumstances in which we went into the game.
"If the team which had taken part in the European tour had played, the story would have been different.
"The effort we made on the field was very dignified. They played to a high level against a rugby power and this says a lot about both the young players making their debut and the more experienced players.
"They have had a very rich experience of measuring themselves against one of the best teams in the world."
ARGENTINA: Juan Martin Hernandez; Pablo Gomez Cora, Manuel Contepomi, Gonzalo Tiesi, Lucas Borges, Juan de la Cruz Fernandez Miranda, Agustin Pichot (captain); Leopoldo De Chazal (Marcos Ayerza 66), Federico Mendez (Vernet Basualdo 48), Eusebio Guinazu, Santiago Artese (Manuel Carizza 72), Pablo Bouza, Martin Durand, Lucas Ostiglia, Lucas Ostiglia.
SOUTH AFRICA: Gaffie du Toit; Jaque Fourie, Marius Joubert, Wayne Julies, Bryan Habana; Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fourie du Preez (Michael Claassens 75); Gurthro Steenkamp (Os du Randt 27), John Smit (capt, Danie Coetzee 48), CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Solly Tyibilika (Joe van Niekerk 65), Danie Rossouw (Os du Randt 67), Jacques Cronje.
Referee: Chris White (England).
