Argentina vs. South Africa: 5 Key Battles in International Match

South Africa head to Buenos Aires this Saturday on a mission to prove their defeat at Argentina's hands last weekend was nothing but a fluke.

The Springboks ended their Rugby Championship campaign without a single win, while the Pumas have an opportunity to claim a historic back-to-back victories over their southern-hemisphere opponents. 

Daniel Hourcade's hosts will look to follow up their first win over South Africa with a second in as many weeks, and we discuss some of the key battles likely to have a huge bearing on the match's outcome.

1. Joaquin Tuculet vs. Zane Kirchner

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One of the bigger surprises in Heyneke Meyer's squad for Saturday was to see Zane Kirchner make his return at full-back in the absence of an injured Willie Le Roux.

Having last featured for the Springboks in June 2014, Kirchner is a very experimental inclusion as Meyer seeks to assess his options at full-back, but the Peter de Villiers parody Twitter account isn't buoyed by the change.

Joaquin Tuculet won't make it an easy return to the international fold, though, after playing the full 80 minutes in Durban last Saturday and proving to be a steadfast member of Hourcade's back three.

Kirchner's favour toward the up-and-under will test Tuculet's aerial prowess, but after so long in the cold, it will be of interest to see how Leinster's weapon transitions back into the side.

2. Marcos Ayerza vs. Marcel van der Merwe

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One of numerous up-and-coming prop talents of South Africa, Marcel van der Merwe has an almighty task on his hands this weekend, where he'll be looked upon to keep Pumas veteran Marcos Ayerza quiet.

Having come on as a half-time substitute in Durban, Van der Merwe only had to duel against Ayerza for 12 minutes before the latter was withdrawn from the action last Saturday, much to his relief.

However, the 24-year-old Springbok has a far bigger examination on his hands as a starter in Buenos Aires, against a scrum technician ex-England prop David Flatman has hailed as the "best loosehead there is."

Powered by the thralls of a Buenos Aires audience, Ayerza will be expected to be particularly motivated this Saturday, but young Van der Merwe can't afford to fall victim to intimidation tactics.

3. Juan Martin Hernandez vs. Damian de Allende

The Juan Martin Hernandez factor dictates that Argentina look significantly better with their maestro present, and when he's playing at his best, the Pumas tend to follow as a unit.

El Mago had a successful run-out at fly-half last Saturday, but Hernandez switches to inside centre for the return trip, with battering ram-esque Damian de Allende the force set to descend upon him.

South Africa's midfield partnership as a whole is worth taking into account, however, as Murray Kinsella of The42.ie highlights Jesse Kriel's move back to No. 13 as particularly exciting.

It's true that reunion could come to have a grave impact on Hernandez's chances of maintaining Argentina's defence in the capital, with De Allende providing the line-breaking foundation that will undoubtedly prove difficult to repress.

That being the case, the Pumas must focus on their own offensive efforts following such a confident display last time out, with Hernandez once again looked upon as the creative hub of his lineup.

4. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe vs. Willem Alberts

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There was no Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe in sight for the victory in Durban last Saturday, but the Toulon star will be geared toward making up for lost time when he makes his return to the XV this weekend.

Literally speaking, the Argentinian has a massive obstacle blocking his path, however, with Willem Alberts also making a return to the Springboks starting setup at openside.

Front Row Grunt hails his comeback as one piece of an impressive back-row puzzle, looking to establish himself as a starting option for the World Cup, but with a big challenge on his hands in the shape of Lobbe.

Both flankers stand out as talismanic presences for their respective teams, with the only hope being that their coming together results in fireworks and not a drab nullifying of both powers.

5. Nicolas Sanchez vs. Pat Lambie

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Hernandez's shift outside leaves Nicolas Sanchez free to reclaim the No. 10 jersey after missing the win over South Africa, and Pat Lambie sits opposite the fly-half preparing to make his first start since November.

The Springboks utility is an oddity to the national team who strikes as though he could be a real asset to Meyer's plans, not least of which due to his versatility in being able to play across the line.

Sanchez is more of a specialist at fly-half and will be seeking to release a host of back options who were in predatory form last Saturday.

The same instinctive wits will be required if Argentina are to amass a second successive win, but Lambie has the potential to be a shock catalyst in Meyer's selection, with first-choice fly-half Handre Pollard not quite at his best of late.