Los Pumas Enjoy Umhlanga Beach Ahead of Springboks Clash Despite Water Safety Concerns

• Argentina’s national rugby team took advantage of Durban’s coastal vibes, training and splashing in the sea ahead of their clash with the Springboks
• Locals recalled past sewage issues at Umhlanga Beach, dubbing it “Durban’s toilet,” and questioned whether swimming there was safe
• All attention now turns to the big match on 27 September at Kings Park Stadium, with both teams gearing up for a high-stakes encounter

With their highly anticipated encounter against the Springboks just days away, Argentina’s national rugby team, Los Pumas, took time out to train in the outdoors at Durban’s Umhlanga Rocks Beach.

The squad was seen enjoying the sand, sea, and sun, turning a typical practice session into a team-bonding outing.

Footage shared on the team’s social media shows players jogging along the shoreline, kicking rugby balls on the sand, and even splashing into the ocean, all while soaking up the coastal atmosphere of KwaZulu-Natal.

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Take a look at the picture below:

Durban residents raise water safety concerns

Despite the picturesque backdrop, some locals remain wary. Historically, Umhlanga Rocks Beach earned an unsavoury nickname, “Durban’s toilet,” following reports of sewage contamination along the KZN coastline.

Concerns over E. coli and other waterborne pathogens prompted residents to question the safety of the waters for recreational use.

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On social media, residents voiced their apprehension:

@fostrevor wrote:

“Is that water safe to swim in? Sewerage has been running into the ocean at an alarming rate,”

@willievanniekerk asked:

“Are Los Pumas swimming in the sea with the poop?”

Craig warned:

“Be careful of the E. coli!”

City water reports indicate that the beach is currently safe for swimming, though the past issues continue to linger in public memory.

Countdown to the Springboks showdown

All eyes will soon shift from the beach to the stadium, as Los Pumas prepare for their first match against the Springboks on Saturday, 27 September, at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.

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This match will be the South African side’s final home fixture of the season before the teams meet again on 4 October at England’s Twickenham.

With just two rounds remaining, the tournament is wide open. Australia lead the table with 11 points, while South Africa and New Zealand sit close behind on 10, and Argentina remain in contention on 9.

The margins are so fine that any of the four nations could still claim the trophy.

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Bonus points could prove vital

With Australia and New Zealand expected to push hard in the closing rounds, Erasmus has hinted that South Africa may need more than just victories to secure the title. Bonus-point wins are being targeted, though he acknowledged the difficulty of outscoring a stubborn Pumas side.

Rassie Erasmus shrugs off injury setbacks

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus praised South Africa’s player depth despite being dealt a series of injury blows.

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Source: Briefly News