Du Preez shows respect for Pumas

South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez insists the Springboks will not under-estimate the power of Argentina heading into Sunday’s World Cup semi-final.

The Pumas winger Ignacio Corleto yesterday labelled South Africa arrogant and indicated that could prove their downfall as Argentina chase a first World Cup final appearance.

But Du Preez congratulated the Pumas on the impact they have made on the tournament as flag-bearers for the non-establishment nations.

And he knows South Africa will need to be on top of their game if they are to reach the final.

“Argentina have showed in this World Cup that they are a great team, I think they played exceptionally well against Ireland,” said Du Preez, arguably the best scrum-half in world rugby.

“We know it’s going to be a very tough one and that’s like we wanted it in a semi-final of the World Cup.”

Argentina may have never beaten South Africa – but in two of the last three meetings the Springboks have won by just a single point.

In 2005 they edged Argentina 23-22 in Buenos Aires and two years earlier in Port Elizabeth it was 26-25.

South Africa were immediately installed as favourites for the title after New Zealand were knocked out.

But Corleto is convinced Argentina can overturn the odds and create their own slice of history by reaching a first ever World Cup final.

“Their weakness could be their arrogance. They are always saying they are the best,” said the Stade Francais winger.

“We have never beaten them. That’s what the stats books say but in this World Cup all the stats have changed.

“There’s always a first time and hopefully Sunday will be ours.

“We are going into it to win. We’re going for the final. This team is not going to let anyone step over them.

“I don’t feel the same as Scotland when they said they were satisfied with reaching the quarter-finals and anything that came afterwards was a bonus.

“Our goal is not complete.”

South Africa flanker Juan Smith is expected to be back in action on Friday after missing training with a knock to his quad.