Coach Coetzee hails never-say-die Bok spirit

Nelspruit (South Africa) (AFP) - South Africa coach Allister Coetzee hailed his team on Saturday after a second dramatic come-from-behind victory in four home Tests this season.

Loose forward Warren Whiteley scored a final-minute try to snatch a 30-23 Rugby Championship win over Argentina, who led by 10 points after 70 minutes in Nelspruit.

It was a stirring finale from the men in green and gold, who overcame a 16-point deficit with 20 minutes left against Ireland in Johannesburg to win by six points two months ago.

"This team never gives up," said a proud Coetzee after a winning start to a championship completed by title-holders Australia and New Zealand.

All Blacks man of the moment Beauden Barrett scored 17 points for the world champions as they thrashed the Wallabies 42-8 in Sydney earlier Saturday.

"You cannot coach this never-say-die spirit," stressed the coach who succeeded Heyneke Meyer this year and has plotted three straight wins after a loss to Ireland in Cape Town.

"Winning from seemingly impossible situations is part of the culture of this squad."

Coetzee also praised the replacements after the Springboks snatched an unconvincing win over the Pumas before a 27,500 crowd at Mbombela Stadium.

"The plan was to send them on and take the game away from Argentina. Instead, they came on to help rescue a desperate situation," he added.

"We must cut down on our mistakes before meeting the Pumas again next weekend in what will be a massive challenge for us."

Despite pushing Argentina back at many scrums and stealing several of their line-out throws, South Africa were in trouble when trailing 23-13 after 70 minutes.

Recalled full-back Johan Goosen was the subject of huge pre-match media hype and Coetzee compared him with Barrett.

But the versatile back from French champions Racing 92 had a quiet match until he took an inside pass from scrum-half and man of the match Faf de Klerk and dotted down.

Fly-half Elton Jantjies, whose goal-kicking remains a worry after three failed attempts from nine, converted and added a penalty to draw the teams level six minutes from time.

Rattled Argentina tried to keep their rampant opponents at bay, but could not prevent Whiteley diving over in the corner with less than a minute to go.

Argentina get a chance to turn the tables when they host South Africa in Salta next Saturday after New Zealand play Australia in Wellington.