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, securing the 2024 Rugby Championship at a vibrant Mbombela Stadium.
In addition to Fassi and du Toit, wing Cheslin Kolbe, hooker Malcolm Marx, and centre Jesse Kriel also scored tries, showcasing South Africa’s strength in scrums and innovative backline tactics developed this season.
Argentina managed to score only once, with flyhalf Tomas Albornoz crossing the line for their sole try. The team struggled due to yellow cards issued to wing Mateo Carreras and fullback Santiago Carreras, along with a 20-minute red card for flanker Pablo Matera, as discipline waned under intense pressure.
In a notable personal achievement, lock Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok with his 128th cap, surpassing Victor Matfield, while the world champions concluded the tournament with 24 points, eight ahead of New Zealand.
“I am lost for words; it has been quite a journey, and to bounce back from last week speaks volumes about our team,” said Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. He also took a moment to express pride in his teammate Etzebeth.
The Springboks chose Manie Libbok at flyhalf but assigned kicking duties to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, indicating a strategy focused on ball movement. Libbok, contributing significantly to the flow of attack, orchestrated the Springboks’ seven tries, alleviating any early nerves.
The hosts quickly established a lead, with Fassi opening the scoring after a set-piece movement and du Toit doubling the advantage shortly after. Argentina’s Albornoz briefly responded, scoring their only try after a swift backline play.
As Mateo Carreras received the first yellow card of the match for infringing on Fassi in the air, South Africa took control. Fassi scored his second try, capitalizing on the man advantage, before Kolbe added another with a spectacular finish, leading to a halftime score of 27-7.
In the second half, Argentina lost Matera to a red card for a dangerous play, further hindering their efforts. South Africa took full advantage of their numerical superiority, adding tries from Marx, du Toit, and Kriel, clinching their first Southern Hemisphere title since 2019 and their fifth overall.
“Credit to South Africa; they were the better team today,” acknowledged Argentina captain Julian Montoya. “We weren’t good enough and needed to perform better.”