Argentina boosted its chances of winning the Rugby Championship by narrowly defeating reigning world champions South Africa 29-28 in a thrilling match held in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The victory prevented South Africa from clinching their first title since 2019, setting up a crucial rematch in Nelspruit, South Africa next weekend to determine the tournament winner. South Africa currently leads the table with 19 points, while Argentina trails by five points and must secure maximum points in the rematch to claim the Championship for the first time.
The Springboks had a golden opportunity to seal the title but were denied by a missed penalty kick by replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok in the 79th minute, allowing Argentina to hold on for a historic win. Despite falling behind 17-0 early in the game, Argentina mounted a spirited comeback led by captain Julian Montoya, who praised his team’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The match, played in scorching 35-degree temperatures at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, witnessed a dramatic turnaround as Argentina overcame an initial 17-point deficit with tries from Mateo Carreras and Pablo Matera. Prop Joel Sclavi’s try, scored while South Africa was temporarily reduced to 14 men, helped Argentina take the lead for the first time at 26-17. Flyhalf Tomas Albornoz extended Argentina’s advantage further with a try from a tapped penalty.
Despite a fierce counterattack from the Springboks, who narrowed the gap to one point before taking the lead, Argentina regained control with Albornoz’s penalty kick in the 68th minute, securing a crucial 29-28 lead. The Pumas’ defense stood strong against South Africa’s late onslaught, denying the Springboks a comeback victory.
Noteworthy moments in the match included flyhalf Handre Pollard surpassing Morne Steyn to become the second-highest scorer in Springboks history, and lock Eben Etzebeth equalling Victor Matfield’s record of 127 test appearances for South Africa. Etzebeth has the opportunity to claim the record outright in the upcoming rematch between Argentina and South Africa next weekend.
The highly anticipated rematch promises to be another intense battle between the two rugby powerhouses, with Argentina aiming to snatch the Championship title from South Africa’s grasp in what is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the Rugby Championship.