Springboks vs Argentina August 8: What to Back Before the All Blacks Series Begins
International · August 8, 2026 · Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires · Kick-off: 7:00 PM SAST
The Springboks travel to Buenos Aires on August 8 to face Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani before the four-test All Blacks series that begins at Ellis Park on August 22. For Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff, this game has a dual purpose. It is a competitive international that carries points implications, and it is also a squad management exercise where the coaches will want to see certain combinations and certain players given meaningful minutes before the All Blacks series begins. South Africa beat Argentina 29-27 the last time these two met in 2025, which was tight enough to remind the Boks that the Pumas at home in Buenos Aires are never comfortable opposition.
Argentina come into this game with their own motivation. They finished third at the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and have been building a squad that is increasingly competitive with the top teams in world rugby. The Estadio José Amalfitani crowd is passionate and loud and Argentina will want to send the Springboks to the All Blacks series with something to think about. The last time any team beat the Springboks heading into a major series, it affected their preparation in ways the results showed. Argentina understand this and they will play accordingly.
Key Selection Questions for Erasmus
The most interesting aspect of this game from a South African perspective is how Erasmus manages his first-choice starting lineup versus the players he wants to give competitive minutes before the All Blacks series. Siya Kolisi's captaincy, Malcolm Marx at hooker, the scrumhalf combination, and the balance at number eight are all decisions that affect how South Africa approach the All Blacks series. If Erasmus starts his strongest possible side in Buenos Aires and wins comfortably, the confidence going into Ellis Park on August 22 will be high. If he rotates heavily and the Pumas win or keep it very close, the All Blacks will take note.
Our Prediction and Tips
Springboks win by 10 to 15 points. Argentina are competitive but South Africa's current form, ranked number one in the world with victories over England and Scotland by 24 and 14 points respectively, is too strong for a Pumas side playing at home without the full competitive tournament pressure. Back the Springboks to win and cover the line. The both teams to score market is also solid given Argentina's attacking quality at home.
| Our Tip | Pick | The Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Match result | Springboks to win | World number one. England beat 24 pts. Scotland beat 14 pts. Too good right now. |
| Springboks win by 10 or more | Yes | Comfortable road win expected. South Africa have been dominant in July. |
| Both teams to score | Yes | Argentina score at home. Springboks give tries occasionally when rotating. |
| Total points under 54.5 | Yes | Rugby internationals at this level stay competitive. Not a rout. |
| Springboks to lead at half-time | Yes | South Africa start fast. Buenos Aires noise does not affect them. |
| Operator | Home Odds | Draw | Away Odds | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywoodbets | 1.45 | 4.80 | 2.90 | R10 |
| Betway SA | 1.43 | 4.90 | 3.00 | R10 |
| 1xBet | 1.47 | 4.70 | 2.85 | R10 |
Odds indicative. Always verify before placing. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.