South Africa claimed their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 by dominating Argentina 48-7 in MBOMBELA, South Africa. Despite being the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks had never secured the southern hemisphere crown until now. The team led the tournament from the beginning on Aug. 10 and concluded it with a remarkable victory, scoring seven tries to Argentina’s one.
The Springboks missed the chance to clinch the title last week in Santiago del Estero, where Argentina handed them their first loss with a score of 29-28. However, South Africa only needed a single bonus point to seal the championship upon their return home. Despite making 10 changes to their lineup and including World Cup winners, the Springboks took a commanding 27-7 lead at halftime, resisting an attempted comeback from the Pumas.
In the final 11 minutes of the match, South Africa managed to score three converted tries, solidifying their victory. Argentina struggled under pressure, receiving their first yellow cards of the tournament, with one of them leading to a red card for replacement flanker Pablo Matera. This win was also significant as it marked lock Eben Etzebeth’s 128th test, making him South Africa’s most capped international player.
The Springboks’ performance in the tournament exemplified their strength and skill, solidifying their status as a rugby powerhouse. This victory not only showcased their dominance on the field but also their ability to bounce back from setbacks. South Africa’s Rugby Championship triumph will surely be remembered as a moment of pride for the team and their supporters.
