Fullback Aphelele Fassi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit each scored two tries as the powerful South African team secured the 2024 Rugby Championship with an impressive 48-7 win over Argentina at Mbombela Stadium.
Wing Cheslin Kolbe, hooker Malcolm Marx, and center Jesse Kriel also contributed tries, showcasing South Africa’s dominance in the scrum and their creative backline play. Argentina’s sole try was scored by flyhalf Tomas Albornoz, and the team struggled with discipline, receiving yellow cards for wing Mateo Carreras and fullback Santiago Carreras, alongside a 20-minute red card for flanker Pablo Matera.
In addition to the victory, lock Eben Etzebeth celebrated a personal milestone, becoming the most capped Springbok with his 128th cap, surpassing Victor Matfield. The Springboks finished the tournament with 24 points, eight ahead of New Zealand.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed his pride in the team’s performance, particularly in their ability to bounce back from a previous loss. He paid tribute to Etzebeth, acknowledging his leadership and friendship.
The Springboks started the match with Manie Libbok as flyhalf, who handed over kicking duties to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, indicating a strategy focused on running play. Libbok, who had missed a late penalty last week, effectively directed the backline, leading to seven tries.
South Africa quickly established control with two early tries, including Fassi’s first from a set-piece move and Du Toit’s effort over a ruck, bringing the score to 14-0 within 15 minutes. Argentina responded with a try by Albornoz, but the Springboks maintained the offensive.
Fassi added his second try after Argentina’s Mateo Carreras received the first yellow card of the match, and Kolbe showcased his skill with a dazzling finish to make it 27-7 at halftime.
The second half saw Argentina’s Matera get a red card for a dangerous tackle, and Santiago Carreras follow suit with a yellow card. Taking advantage of the manpower disparity, the Springboks scored additional tries through Marx, Du Toit, and Kriel, winning their first Southern Hemisphere title since 2019 and their fifth overall.
Argentina’s captain Julian Montoya acknowledged South Africa’s superiority in the match, recognizing the need for his team to improve.