Fullback Aphelele Fassi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit each scored two tries as South Africa triumphed over Argentina with a decisive 48-7 victory at Mbombela Stadium, securing the 2024 Rugby Championship title.
In a performance marked by dominance, South African players Cheslin Kolbe, hooker Malcolm Marx, and centre Jesse Kriel also found the try line, showcasing the team’s powerful scrummaging and innovative backline play that has been a feature of their game this season.
Argentina managed to score only once, with flyhalf Tomas Albornoz getting their lone try. The visitors faced challenges through yellow cards given to wing Mateo Carreras and fullback Santiago Carreras, as well as a red card to flanker Pablo Matera, which saw them struggle to maintain discipline amid the pressure.
Additionally, lock Eben Etzebeth set a new record by earning his 128th cap for the Springboks, surpassing Victor Matfield. South Africa concluded the tournament with 24 points, outpacing New Zealand by eight points.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed his pride in the team’s resilience, stating, “I am lost for words, it has been a journey and a half and to bounce back from last week says a lot about our team. I want to say to my best friend, Eben Etzebeth. You have always been by my side, you have led us as a team in so many ways. I am so proud of you. Cheers my brother, I love you.”
The Springboks opted for Manie Libbok as flyhalf, with scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse taking over kicking duties, indicating a strategy focused on attacking play. Libbok, who had a missed penalty in a previous match against Argentina, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the attack that led to the seven tries.
South Africa established an early lead, with Fassi scoring first after a backline maneuver, followed by Du Toit adding another, putting them ahead 14-0 within the first quarter of the match. Argentina responded with Albornoz’s try but received their first yellow card when Mateo Carreras interfered with Fassi in mid-air.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, the Springboks continued to press, with Fassi securing his second try and Kolbe adding a fourth just before halftime, leaving the score at 27-7.
The second half saw Argentina losing Matera to a red card for a dangerous clear-out, further complicating their chances. South Africa took full advantage, with Marx, Du Toit, and Kriel contributing to the scoring, allowing the team to celebrate their first Southern Hemisphere title since 2019 and their fifth overall.
Argentina’s captain Julian Montoya acknowledged South Africa’s superior performance, stating, “Credit to South Africa, they were the better team today. We weren’t good enough; we had to be better.”