Patagonia is the most obvious geographical connection between Argentina and Wales. Hordes of Welsh speakers can be found in the province.
And as for rugby, the supporters of both countries share the same passion for the game and aren’t afraid to let their voices be heard.
Aside from that, it is hard to think of any other comparison, given how well Argentina are playing and how poorly Wales are playing at present.
Rassie hits back at Matt William’s compliment
Rassie hits back at Matt William’s compliment
However, Rassie Erasmus isn’t known as one of the astute minds in rugby for nothing, and he has come up with something that connects the two, beyond the settlers who travelled 8,000 miles across the Atlantic to live there two centuries ago.
In an interview on the Springboks’ X account, Erasmus reflected on previous encounters between the teams ahead of Saturday’s potential Rugby Championship title decider.
“I’ve found them like the Welsh. I know the Welsh are not going well now, I just find them a really tough people,” he said.
“They grind it out; they never give up.
“If that is going to be the deciding Test match, they have caused us hiccups a few times.”
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
The Springboks’ only defeat in last year’s title-winning campaign was the 29-28 loss to the Pumas in the penultimate round in Santiago del Estero.
And Rassie is mindful of falling to them again at the same stage of the current competition, which is proving to be ultra-competitive with just two points separating log leaders Australia from Argentina in fourth.
“Last year, who was the team that beat us? Argentina,” he pointed out.
“One of the biggest losses since I have been involved in 2018, if you go margin-wise, was actually against Argentina away (32-19 in Mendoza in 2018).
“They gave us a proper kalp (hiding). So I am always nervous for (games against) Argentina.”