South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer conceded his side "played less rugby" against Argentina but were tactically superior as they ended a run of four test defeats in timely fashion ahead of next month's World Cup.

After their shock 37-25 loss to Argentina in Durban, the Springboks turned the tables by recording a 26-12 victory over the Pumas in Buenos ­Aires on Saturday to boost morale following a winless, truncated Rugby Championship.

"I thought we played ­tactically very well," Meyer told ­reporters. "We came close against Australia and New ­Zealand, when we played more rugby, but we adapted tactically very well here."

After their porous ­defending, South Africa's defense held up much better to keep Argentina ­try-less.

"I'm also very proud that we didn't concede a try, away from home," Meyer added. "A lot of players put up their hands and came through today.

"We also scrummed very well, which probably had to do with the fact that we had more experience on the bench."

Wing Lwazi Mvovo put in an eye-catching performance, which included a fine solo try, while Pat Lambie offered less explosiveness but more solidity at flyhalf than Handre Pollard.

Meyer now has two weeks to decide on his final 31 for the World Cup and with the likes of loose-forward Duane ­Vermeulen and scrumhalf ­Fourie du Preez set to return from injury, he will have some welcome selection headaches.

The World Cup takes place from September 18 to ­October 31 in England, with twice ­champions South Africa drawn in Pool B, alongside Japan, ­Samoa, Scotland and the US.