- Argentina defeated South Africa, securing their first win over the Springboks since 2018.
- Manie Libbok missed a crucial penalty in the final minute.
- he win sets up a title decider in Nelspruit next weekend.
- Argentina's defense held strong in the final moments to seal the win.
Manie Libbok’s missed penalty in the final minute allowed Argentina to continue their impressive Rugby Championship campaign, adding a victory over South Africa to earlier wins against Australia and New Zealand. This marked Los Pumas’ first win over the Springboks since 2018, setting up a title decider in Nelspruit next weekend. Felipe Contepomi’s side displayed the same attacking flair seen in their thrashing of the Wallabies, holding on bravely in the second half against South Africa’s powerful scrum and substitutes, including Eben Etzebeth, who equaled Victor Matfield’s record of 127 caps.
Despite having a solid lead in the table, South African coach Rassie Erasmus made ten changes to the team, with Siya Kolisi watching from the coaching box. This strategy aimed to keep the Springboks in contention for the Rugby Championship title, with two matches still to play. However, South Africa started strong, dominating the first scrum and quickly building a 17-0 lead with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel, alongside a penalty from Handre Pollard.
Argentina responded remarkably, with Santiago Chocobares breaking through and setting up Mateo Carreras for their first try. Following a yellow card for Kurt-Lee Arendse due to a high tackle, Argentina capitalized on the advantage, catching South Africa’s blitz defense off-guard. Juan Cruz Mallia’s offload allowed Pablo Matera to score, further closing the gap.
In a stunning comeback, Argentina took the lead with a brilliant effort from Joaquin Oviedo, who kept the ball in play, leading to Joel Scalvi’s powerful try. Although Arendse returned without further punishment, Argentina maintained momentum, and Tomas Albornoz crossed the line to put them ahead 26-17 after being down 17-0 just 21 minutes earlier.
Before halftime, Cobus Reinach managed to score for South Africa, bringing the score to 26-22 at the break after a thrilling first half in the Santiago heat. The second half, however, saw a shift in pace as penalties from Pollard and Libbok nudged South Africa ahead, while Albornoz continued to struggle with the boot, missing his third kick.
South Africa’s dominance in the scrum allowed them to control possession and territory, yet they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. A desperate tackle from Fassi prevented Albornoz from scoring again, leading Argentina to settle for three points to briefly reclaim the lead. They faced setbacks with two late lineouts lost deep in South Africa’s territory, with Etzebeth making a crucial steal.
Argentina appeared to be in trouble when Gonzalo Garcia was penalized for failing to roll away, but Libbok’s missed penalty left the match tied. The Pumas held firm defensively as time ran out, celebrating a crucial victory that sets the stage for next week’s decisive match.
