Canan Moodie Opens Up on the Tough Lesson the Springboks Took From Argentina

• Canan Moodie has reflected on a demanding Test in Buenos Aires before the Springboks face New Zealand
• The Springbok back says the Argentina clash exposed areas the team will need to handle against the All Blacks
• Several returning players also gained valuable minutes as South Africa stepped up preparations for the RGR series

Canan Moodie believes the Springboks' 17-10 victory over Argentina provided more than just another Test win. The 23-year-old outside centre started against Los Pumas in Buenos Aires on Saturday, 8 August 2026, before South Africa returned home to begin preparations for the All Blacks.

Moodie said the difficult conditions gave the squad a useful test of its ability to stay disciplined under pressure.

“It took a lot of character, but our systems were there backing us against the fatigue, their long kicking game, and a hostile crowd, and that worked out for us,” he said according to Springboks.rugby.

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Returning players benefit from Test minutes

The match was also significant for players working their way back from injury. Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Siya Kolisi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg were among the returning players involved.

Moodie said the opportunity to complete a full match was important.

“I think a lot of the boys who returned from injuries aren't quite match-fit yet, so getting 80 minutes of game time was very important,” he said.

He added that the Test had shown the players could keep working when conditions became difficult.

Moodie turns attention to All Blacks

With Argentina behind them, Moodie said the focus had now shifted completely.

“We got out of that game what we wanted to, so now it's full focus on the All Blacks series,” he said.

South Africa will face New Zealand across four successive weekends, beginning at Ellis Park on 22 August. The series will continue in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore before the Springboks face Australia in Perth on 27 September.

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All Blacks send warning ahead of Springboks series

Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has warned the Springboks that New Zealand still have another level to reach after their emphatic 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

Rennie was pleased with the response after half-time but admitted there were areas that needed fixing before the All Blacks face the Springboks at Ellis Park on 22 August.

Source: Briefly News