The Springboks’ impressive unbeaten streak in the Rugby Championship came to an end with a 28-29 loss to Argentina in their round five match held in Santiago del Estero.
This victory marked Argentina’s first win over South Africa since 2018, breaking an eight-match losing streak and keeping their slim chances for the title alive.
The match kicked off with South Africa taking a commanding 17-0 lead within the first 12 minutes, thanks to tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel, both converted by Handre Pollard. Fassi scored after an unchallenged lineout play, while Kriel powered through from a challenging angle shortly after.
Pollard’s penalty increased the lead to 17, but Argentina quickly responded with a lineout play that allowed Mateo Carreras to score, following a slick switch from flyhalf Tomas Albornoz and a powerful run by inside centre Santiago Chocobares.
The tide turned when South Africa’s winger Kurt Lee Arendse received a yellow card for a high tackle on Carreras, which enabled Argentina to capitalize. Pablo Matera and prop Joel Sclavi both scored tries while Arendse was in the sin bin, allowing them to unexpectedly take the lead.
Tomas Albornoz extended Argentina’s advantage with another try before Cobus Reinach scored for the Springboks right before halftime, leaving the score at 26-22 in favor of Argentina.
The second half saw a tense battle for dominance, with both teams exchanging penalties. Pollard and Libbok helped South Africa take a narrow lead at 28-26. However, Albornoz’s break from a set-piece allowed Argentina to reclaim the lead with ten minutes left.
Argentina nearly sealed the game from a corner lineout, but South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth intercepted the ball, leading to a Springboks offensive. With just a minute remaining, South Africa was awarded a penalty about 30 meters out. Unfortunately, Manie Libbok’s attempt went wide, denying the Springboks a chance for victory.
The outcome sets up a decisive clash next weekend in Nelspruit, where both teams will meet again. The Springboks maintain a five-point lead in the standings for that match after earning a losing bonus point.