The Springboks’ unbeaten streak in the Rugby Championship came to an end after they suffered a narrow 28-29 loss to Argentina in their fifth-round match held in Santiago del Estero.
This victory marked Argentina’s first win against South Africa since 2018, breaking an eight-match losing streak and keeping their slim hopes for the title alive.
The Springboks started the match with strong momentum, quickly establishing a 17-0 lead within the first 12 minutes, thanks to tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel, both converted by Handre Pollard. Fassi scored an unchallenged try from a lineout setup, while Kriel broke through the defense from a difficult angle near the ruck.
A penalty from Pollard extended their lead to 17, but Argentina responded promptly with a try originating from a lineout play. Flyhalf Tomas Albornoz executed a clever switch to move play down the short side, allowing inside centre Santiago Chocobares to break through the defense and set up Mateo Carreras for the try.
A pivotal moment in the first half occurred when Springbok winger Kurt Lee Arendse received a yellow card for a high tackle on Carreras. During his absence, Los Pumas capitalized, scoring twice. Pablo Matera grabbed another try after a wide play allowed Carreras to slip through, followed by prop Joel Sclavi crashing over for another try that gave Argentina an unexpected lead.
They added a fourth try soon after when Tomas Albornoz cleverly faked a pass to score. The Springboks managed to respond just before half-time with a try from Cobus Reinach, leaving the score at 26-22 in favor of Argentina at the break.
The second half became a tight contest with both teams engaged in tactical kicking and set-piece battles. Pollard and Libbok added penalties to push the Springboks ahead at 28-26. However, Albornoz orchestrated a break for Argentina from a set-piece, leading to a goal that reclaimed their lead with just 10 minutes remaining.
Argentina almost sealed the win from a lineout in the corner, but Springbok Eben Etzebeth executed a crucial steal. The Springboks managed to advance downfield and won a penalty 30 meters out with only a minute remaining. It seemed they might snatch victory at the last moment, but Manie Libbok’s penalty attempt went astray.
The outcome sets the stage for a decisive rematch in Nelspruit next weekend, with the Springboks holding a five-point lead at the top of the standings after earning a losing bonus point.