The Rugby Championship culminates with a pivotal match between the South Africa Springboks and Argentina at Mbombela Stadium.
Springboks, previously ranked as the world's top team, seek redemption against an Argentine squad that recently edged them out in a narrow 29-28 victory last week in Santiago.
Argentina will be looking to win their first major competition trophy in their history, and their first Rugby Championship title.
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Pre-Game Analysis and Key Matchups
"Erasmus has welcomed back several key players who were rested for the previous match against Argentina. In a major shakeup, Etzebeth returns to the starting XV alongside Ruan Nortje, forming a formidable lock pairing. Nine changes in total, including one positional switch, have been made from the team that lost to Los Pumas in Argentina.
Among the returning players, six double Rugby World Cup winners—Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Siya Kolisi—have been named in the starting lineup, with Kolisi resuming his role as captain. The starting pack mirrors the powerful forward combination that overcame New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town, showcasing Erasmus's intent to field an experienced and cohesive side.
The backline sees Aphelele Fassi retained at fullback, teaming up with Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Jesse Kriel and De Allende continue their partnership in the midfield. Jaden Hendrikse and Manie Libbok are promoted to the starting XV, pushing Cobus Reinach and Handré Pollard to the bench.
Erasmus opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, featuring Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Vincent Koch as prop cover. Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pollard, Reinach, and Lukhanyo Am round out the substitutes."
Eben Etzebeth has been a dominant force in rugby union for over a decade. Impressively, the 6-foot-8 lock has held out incredibly well, and will today break the Springboks all-time caps record, with 128. Etzebeth made his debut for the Springboks against England on June 9, 2012.
Here's a prediction from FloRugby expert Philip Bendon.
"Much of the match’s intrigue lies in the battle between the tight-five forwards. The Springboks' lineout struggled last weekend against Argentina, with Los Pumas showing impressive resilience and strength. South Africa's head coach, Rassie Erasmus, isn’t taking Argentina lightly, acknowledging that Los Pumas could pull off a famous upset, given their recent successes and their shared ability to defy the odds.
The return of key Springboks players, including the influential Eben Etzebeth, who will be making his 128th appearance, promises to bolster South Africa’s chances. Etzebeth’s rivalry with Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini has been a focal point in recent encounters, and the battle between them will be crucial in determining which side gains the upper hand.
Springbok stalwarts Damian de Allende and Bongi Mbonambi also return to add experience to the team, while Los Pumas’ rising star Joaquin Oviedo will look to showcase his athleticism. The midfield clash between De Allende and Argentina's Santiago Chocobares is another exciting matchup to watch, as both centres have been in outstanding form.
With everything to play for, the match will likely come down to small margins, including the performances of the two number 10s, Manie Libbok for South Africa and Tomas Albornoz for Argentina. While the Springboks have a history of delivering under pressure, Los Pumas have shown they can defy expectations. Nevertheless, with the home advantage and a fully loaded squad, the Springboks seem poised to claim victory and lift the Rugby Championship title."
Live Updates from Mbombela Stadium
First Half
The broadcaster is having technical issues, and it does seem like it's widespread and not just isolated to the United States stream.
Update: We're back.
Adele Fassi scored about seven minutes into the match and Jaden Hendrikse converted the kick. Which is a change from last week, where Libbok took the kicks after taking over for Handre Pollard late in the game.
Hendrikse converts the kick.
South Africa 7, Argentina 0
Albornoz continue his stellar play and takes it across the line.
He then converts the kick.
Los Pumas are back in it.
South Africa 7, Argentina 7
Roars and shrieks from the crowd each time the Springboks make a good play.
The environment for the Rugby Championship's final game is incredible.
Hendrikse adds a penalty conversion to his stats.
South Africa 14, Argentina 7
In a nasty play, Chocobares has his knee buckled by another player.
Lucio Cinti comes on as a replacement.
Mateo Carreras will head to the sin bin for the collision, giving an already surging Springboks a man advantage.
South Africa 17, Argentina 7
Fassie takes it over the line after some clever play by the Springboks.
Hendrikse misses the conversion.
South Africa 17, Argentina 7
Jaden Hendrikse misses the conversion for a second time a in row.
South Africa 22, Argentina 7
Incredible long toss from Kolisi, makes it to the sideline and Kolbe takes it in.
Game is getting out of hand for Argentina. Can't help but feel the home crowd is contributing quite a bit.
South Africa 27, Argentina 7
South Africa kick it away after a scrum and the first half ends.
Second Half
Both sides starting to bring on replacements now and South Africa are definitely losing a bit of momentum now.
Argentina win a penalty in the Boks half and kick to the corner. Lineout, just over five metres out
A rare chance in the opposition 22 for Argentina but the ball is knocked on, South Africa dominate the scrum and clear their lines to halfway.
Jasper Wiese has entered beast mode at the start of this second half - the Boks No 8 just hauling defenders with him on every carry.
A bit of a phony war so far since half-time, with lots of stopping and starting. South Africa try to build something in the Argentina half.
Not much has gone wrong for South Africa today but that’s a poor kick by Jaden Hendrikse from the tee. He shanks the penalty wide and the lead stays at 20.
Zombie by the Cranberries rings round Mbombela Stadium with the Boks fans, of course, replacing Zombie with Rassie, in acknowledgement of their coach. The atmosphere has been superb.
The Bomb Squad start to make an appearance as Gerhard Steenekamp comes on for Ox Nche in the front row
Back underway as the Springboks look to play out their title win. Wiese immediately goes on a barrelling run, dragging defenders with him to make 20 metres.
The Boks then surge down the right and only desperate covering defence by the Pumas allows them to force South Africa into touch.
Brilliant feet by Cheslin Kolbe - simply unstoppable! Long pass out to the right wing, where a gorgeous step inside from Kolbe has two defenders wafting at air trying to tackle him and he dives over the line. Simply sublime.
The conversion goes wide but no harm done. The Springboks have all but won the Rugby Championship title
After his horror show last week with the late miss, Libbok is firing passes all over the pitch here and orchestrating the Boks attack beautifully.
OH WOW! Almost a Pumas disaster as Isgro is way, way too casual fielding a kick into the 22, watching it bounce around and not realising Arendse is haring down on him. The South African winger is millimetres away from pinching the ball and scoring a try but can’t gather cleanly.
Isgro gratefully clears but is then immediately substituted off, with Juan Cruz Mallia on in his place. Pablo Matera also on for Juan Martin Gonzalez, who is off for an HIA.
The Boks go wide to the right, De Allende offloads and Kolbe makes decent yards. Even when he’s tackled he wriggles free, pops a pass from the ground to the supporting Aphelele Fassi who goes over for his second try.
Just superb from Kolbe and Fassi is the benficiary. Hendrikse’s conversion strikes the post but the Springboks are rampant here. The Rugby Championship title is heading to South Africa.
South Africa dominate a scrum against Argentina about 5m from the in-goal area.
It was as far into SA territory as Argentina has been this half.
Hendrikse has been off the last few kicks and misses a penalty goal that would've been the first points of the half.
South Africa 27, Argentina 7
The South Africa side has come out pressing and look like they'll score fairly quickly. They look determined.
It bears repeating that the crowd is incredible.
Here's a look back at the Fassi, Carreras collision that led to another South Africa try after the Pumas player was sent to the sin bin.
Was Los Pumas star Mateo Carreras fortunate to only see yellow for his misjudged aerial contest with Aphelele Fassi? 🤔#TRC2024 #TheRugbyChampionship #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/PdkHvdJNwV
Incredible pass from Kolisi.
Cheslin Kolbe finishes off a stunning try to take the Springboks twenty points clear off Los Pumas at half-time!#TRC2024 #TheRugbyChampionship #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/OiERKDQmx7
South Africa 27, Argentina 7
Final Score and Reactions
The Springboks' resounding 34-7 victory over Argentina marks a triumphant return to the Rugby Championship throne. The Springboks' dominance was evident from the outset, securing a bonus-point victory to reclaim the championship title. The game was a testament to the Springboks' strength and determination, which was further amplified by the enthusiastic home crowd at Mbombela Stadium.
The Springboks' triumph reflects their unwavering commitment to the sport, and their unwavering dedication to teamwork and strategy. Their victory serves as a reminder of their formidable presence in the world of rugby, and their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. The Springboks' victory signifies a new chapter in their rugby legacy, demonstrating their resilience and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Argentina, despite their valiant efforts, will need to reflect on their performance and strategize for the future. Their journey towards securing their first Rugby Championship title remains ongoing, and the experience gained from this match will be invaluable as they continue to build their squad and strive for greater heights. The Pumas have shown immense promise, and their future holds immense potential as they continue to refine their game and strive for international success.
This match concludes the 2024 Rugby Championship, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating rivalry. The Springboks' triumphant victory, coupled with Argentina's enduring spirit, sets the stage for a future filled with thrilling matches and compelling storylines. The Rugby Championship's legacy is one of intense competition, unwavering passion, and the pursuit of excellence, ensuring its enduring appeal for years to come.
