BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — South Africa scraped past Argentina 17-10 in test rugby at the possible expense of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi on Saturday.
Kolisi, in his first match in seven weeks following a hamstring injury, trudged off in the 25th minute. He may be a doubt to lead the Springboks back home against New Zealand in two weeks in the opening test of the blockbuster Greatest Rivalry series.
“I hurt my hamstring again unfortunately,” he said. “It’s tough but I can’t be sad about it. There’s nothing I can do but go in for a scan and see how long I’m out for.”
The skipper was among a core group of Springbok stalwarts given match time in Buenos Aires after missing the Nations Championship in July because of injuries. Caps record-holder Eben Etzebeth and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu played every minute and lock Lood de Jager, coming back from a hip injury, lasted until the third quarter.
They got to celebrate a 12th straight test win, but only just.
The depleted Pumas almost snatched a draw after the fulltime hooter. From a tap penalty in front of the Springbok posts, they pounded the visitors for 15 phases until the final high pass to an unmarked Matías Moroni was dropped. Coach Felipe Contepomi pounded the coaches’ booth and Moroni was in tears.
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