SOUTH AFRICA scored three late tries to beat Argentina 46-15 in the first Test in Buenos Aires. The Springboks, playing their first international since the dismissal of their World Cup winning captain Francois Pienaar, got off to a slow start but dominated the second half on a rain-softened pitch before an attendance of 16,000.

Neither side were able to advance deeply during most of the first half and after 33 minutes the score was 3-3 with Argentina's Jose Luis Cilley and Henry Honiball of the Springboks each converting one of three penalty kicks.

Gonzalo Camardon broke through for a try after 35 minutes to put Argentina ahead 8-3, but he was injured and replaced by Eduardo Simone for the second half.

Puma mistakes allowed Andre Venter and Mark Andrews to score two tries, both converted by "Honiball, in the last four minutes of the half which ended with South Africa leading 17-8.

Hennie Le Roux opened the second half with a try and then a penalty try, converted by Honiball, put South Africa ahead 29-8 after 62 minutes.

Rolando Martin scored the Pumas' last try, converted by Cilley, and it was left to the Springboks to finish as they pleased. James Small, Joost van der Westhuizen and Andre Joubert added tries, the last of which Joubert converted himself.

The Springboks, on a three-week tour, will meet the Pumas in the second Test next Saturday.