The Blitzboks will take on Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals after losing their third and final pool game by 19-17 against Argentina on Saturday.
Argentina hit the gas early, winning the ball from the initial kick-off and then not only retaining possession for the remainder of the first half, but also pinning the Blitzboks in their own half.
Matteo Graziano touched down to open the scoring, followed by tries by Marcos Moneta and Matias Osadczuk to give the Pumas a commanding 19-0 lead that break.
It has to be said that the first half display by the Blitzboks was one of their worst performances, not just at this tournament, but in recent history. They offered nothing on attack and ruthlessly exposed in defence.
It was a different story in the second half. After an impassioned half-time speech by coach Philip Snyman, the Blitzboks came out firing. They were innovative on attack and showed much greater urgency and desperation in defence.
Quewin Nortje scored a breakaway try to get the Blitzboks on the scoreboard, Selvyn Davids collected an excellent grubber kick from Donovan Don to score next to the sticks and Shilton van Wyk crossed for the third touchdown.
Unfortunately, two of the three conversions went awry and those misses proved costly as the Blitzboks slumped to an agonising two-point defeat.
The Blitzboks return to action on Saturday after at 12:19 when they take Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals.
WILL THE BLITZBOKS GO ALL THE WAY TO THE CUP FINAL IN PERTH?
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/blitzboks/blitzboks-set-up-fiji-showdown-after-agonising-loss/
