In a thrilling display of power and precision, the Springboks stormed to victory against Argentina in Nelspruit, securing their first Rugby Championship title since 2019. A commanding first-half performance saw South Africa score four tries, including two from full-back Aphelele Fassi, setting the tone for an unrelenting 39-12 win.
Fassi’s explosive start saw him crash over for the opener before providing a brilliant assist for Cheslin Kolbe’s try. Player of the match Pieter-Steph du Toit capped off a strong personal performance with two tries of his own, the first coming from a well-executed drive before wrapping up the Springboks’ scoring in the second half. Argentina’s only response came from a Tomas Albornoz try after a stunning break by Santiago Grondona, but it was not enough to halt the South African onslaught.
A crucial moment came when Argentina’s Pablo Matera had his yellow card upgraded to a red for head contact while clearing out Vincent Koch. With the Pumas down to 13 men, Malcolm Marx took full advantage, scoring from the back of a maul as South Africa surged to an insurmountable lead.
The Springboks’ victory avenged their narrow one-point defeat to Argentina the week prior, a loss that had delayed their title win. Captain Siya Kolisi praised his team’s resilience, saying, “After last week, the way we stood up says a lot about our team.”
This triumph marked South Africa’s first Rugby Championship win in a full tournament since 2009 and added another chapter to coach Rassie Erasmus’ growing legacy. His coaching resume now includes two World Cup titles, two Rugby Championships, and a British and Irish Lions tour victory.
For Argentina, despite the defeat, it was a significant year as they beat all three Rugby Championship teams for the first time in a single campaign. They finished third, a testament to their growing competitiveness on the world stage.
The match was also a landmark occasion for Springbok legend Eben Etzebeth, who became South Africa’s most-capped player, surpassing Victor Matfield with his 128th appearance. In a special pre-match ceremony, his cap number was set ablaze in a fiery tribute as teammates honored his dedication to the green and gold. Kolisi, visibly emotional after the match, paid tribute to Etzebeth, saying, “I can’t wait to tell my grandkids I played with Eben Etzebeth.”
South Africa’s dominance was clear from the outset, and the home crowd at Mbombela Stadium was treated to a masterclass in ruthless rugby. Fassi opened the scoring early, and Du Toit added his first minutes later. While Argentina threatened to rally after Albornoz’s try, the Springboks quickly reasserted control, with Fassi and Kolbe teaming up to stretch the lead before halftime.
The Pumas’ ill-discipline in the second half further shifted momentum, with Matera’s red card followed by Santiago Carreras being sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on. Marx and Du Toit capitalized with tries to put the game to bed, and Jesse Kriel added a final flourish, latching onto a beautifully weighted Handre Pollard kick to cross the whitewash.
Springboks Line-up
Fassi, Kolbe, Kriel, De Allende, Arendse; Libbok, Hendrikse; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese.
Pumas Line-up
S Carreras; Isgro, Moroni, Chocobares, M Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Sclavi, Rubiolo, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Grondona, Oviedo.
South Africa’s emphatic performance has set them on a high ahead of the upcoming international fixtures, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the world rugby stage.
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