The Springboks’ unbeaten streak in the Rugby Championship came to a halt following a narrow 28-29 defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero during their fifth-round match. This victory marked Argentina’s first success against South Africa since 2018, breaking an eight-match losing streak and keeping their title hopes alive.
The South African team surged to an early 17-0 lead within the first 12 minutes, with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel, both converted by Handre Pollard. Fassi scored after a lineout move, and soon after, Kriel broke through the defensive line at an acute angle.
Despite a strong start from the Springboks, Argentina quickly responded with a try from Mateo Carreras, set up by a clever play initiated by flyhalf Tomas Albornoz and inside centre Santiago Chocobares. A pivotal moment came when South Africa’s winger Kurt Lee Arendse received a yellow card for a high tackle on Carreras, which allowed Los Pumas to capitalize with two quick tries.
Pablo Matera scored Argentina’s second try down the left wing, followed by prop Joel Sclavi, who powered over to give them an unexpected lead. Albornoz then added a fourth try for Argentina with a crafty dummy move before halftime, leaving South Africa trailing 26-22.
The second half turned into a tense contest, with both teams exchanging penalties. Pollard and Libbok’s kicks enabled South Africa to briefly reclaim the lead at 28-26. However, Argentina’s Albornoz, exploiting a set-piece play, regained the lead with a penalty ten minutes from the end.
As the match neared its conclusion, Argentina nearly secured victory from a lineout, but South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth was pivotal in stealing possession. The Springboks then advanced downfield and earned a penalty from around 30 meters out in the final minute, but Manie Libbok’s attempt was unsuccessful, leaving them with no points from the opportunity.
The tournament will decide its outcome next weekend in Nelspruit, where the two teams will meet again. Currently, the Springboks hold a five-point advantage in the standings, aided by a losing bonus point from the match.