One way of looking at it is that in the microcosm of the World Cup, the Boks did reasonably well to recover from Japan to be in a position to snatch a lucky win over the All Blacks in the semi-final.
"There are quite a few guys who will have their last outing in a Springbok jersey so we would definitely like to make that special, make that a good last game for the most of us".
Then in 2012 the Pumas joined the Tri-Nations to form the Rugby Championship, and ever since then, have shown a steady improvement not just in results, but in performance too.
However, the biggest problem is that Meyer has never had a strong support team beneath him and could have been better assisted.
"I know the Argentinais have improved a lot in the past couple of years and I think they're a formidable team, so you really have to be clued up and make sure that you are prepared because they will expose if you don't".
Argentina's Tomas Lavanini drives at the South Africa defence. The Springboks seem to break down after five or six phases; after that the support runners are depleted. With this comes a real danger that smaller teams will not be able to keep on competing with them.
However, there were those in South Africa who saw Matfield's move, made at the request of Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, as a backward step.
It seems a lifetime ago that South Africa's rugby world came crashing down at the Brighton Community Stadium to a chorus of "Nippon!"
"Nick Mallett (the then South Africa coach) said to the guys, "Go away for two days, enjoy yourself and get away from rugby before captain's practice".
But a youthful South Africa squad undoubtedly have the nucleus of a side that can challenge for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
"It's easy to criticise and I've probably made a lot of mistakes, but I'm a positive person, I want to be part of the solution".
"It's mentally very, very tough because it doesn't mean anything to me".
"I came back out of retirement to hopefully help this team win the World Cup".
"They've grown as a team". "I have always said I am here to serve".
Argentina's Santiago Cordero claims a high ball against the Springboks. Ah, and a drop goal from the Argentina captain!
However, the defensive efforts of Meyer's men have been warrior-like. However, global rugby is built on taking pride in the shirt, so expect the Springboks and Pumas to go all-out for victory, even if the bronze medal is little more than a consolation prize.
The All Blacks will be favourites to win this game but if Pocock continues his fine form in the tackle area, the World Champions' backrow will be in for a long day at the office.
"She said "I'm going to get through it, just go out there and do it for the country". "He's a legend around South Africa".
"Everyone in the team has utmost respect for him". One more try will give Habana 65 for his test career and will take him into outright second place all-time, overtaking David Campese's 64.
Matfield and du Preez were members of South Africa's World Cup-winning side in 2007.
