Springboks click in second half to overpower Argentina

BUENOS AIRES - A much-improved second-half performance from South Africa earned a 24-13 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match.

It was the eighth consecutive win for the reigning world champions over the Pumas, and the match took a decisive turn soon after half-time.

Despite being a man short after the yellow-carding of flanker Franco Mostert, wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie scored tries within four minutes. 

The scores transformed a 10-3 half-time deficit into a five-point lead, and as ill-discipline spread among the near full-strength Pumas, fly-half Manie Libbok slotted three penalties.

It was a satisfactory outing for South Africa as they demonstrated strength in depth with just two of the starting side likely to start their World Cup opener against Scotland next month.

Defeat spoilt the record 100th Argentine Test appearance for hooker Agustin Creevy off the bench. He debuted for the South American nation in 2005.   

"We worked hard for our win. Playing away is never easy," said hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who became only the second black player to captain the Springboks in a Test after currently injured Siya Kolisi.

"It may have been billed as World Cup warm-up, but it was no different from any other international. 

"I would like to say congratulations to (Argentina's) Agustin Creevy on winning his 100th cap -- he is a great leader."