The Springboks’ unbeaten streak in the Rugby Championship concluded with a narrow 28-29 loss to Argentina in their round five 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 reigniting their slim hopes for the title.
South Africa got off to a strong start, taking an early 17-0 lead within the first 12 minutes thanks to tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel, both converted by Handre Pollard. Fassi’s try came from a set-piece after a lineout, while Kriel sliced through the defense near the ruck for his score.
Argentina responded swiftly with a try of their own after Pollard extended the Springboks’ lead with a penalty. A well-executed lineout play saw Mateo Carreras score, following a clever switch from flyhalf Tomas Albornoz.
A pivotal moment occurred when South Africa’s winger Kurt Lee Arendse received a yellow card for a high tackle on Carreras. During his absence, Argentina capitalized by scoring twice. Pablo Matera crossed the line after a sequence of wide plays, and prop Joel Sclavi pounced on a maul to score, putting Argentina ahead.
The Pumas’ fourth try came shortly after, with Tomas Albornoz deceiving the defense with a dummy to score. The Springboks narrowed their deficit just before halftime with a try from Cobus Reinach, leaving the score at 26-22 in favor of Argentina.
The second half was tightly contested, characterized by kicking duels and set-piece skirmishes. Pollard and Libbok exchanged penalties, putting South Africa ahead 28-26.
With ten minutes to play, Albornoz’s break from a set-piece allowed Argentina to reclaim the lead with another goal. They nearly secured the win with a corner lineout, but Eben Etzebeth executed a critical steal, allowing the Springboks to advance down the field.
With a penalty 30 meters out just one minute from the end, it appeared South Africa might snatch victory, but Manie Libbok’s attempt went astray.
The outcome of the tournament now hinges on the rematch in Nelspruit next weekend, although the Springboks maintain a five-point lead in the standings after earning a losing bonus point.