The Springboks secured back-to-back Castle Lager Rugby Championship titles after a hard-fought 29-27 victory over Argentina at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday. South Africa came from a 13-10 halftime deficit to claim the win in front of over 70,000 fans.
The win gave South Africa the championship on points difference, as both the Boks and New Zealand finished with 19 log points, but the Springboks had a +57 points difference compared to the All Blacks’ +8.
Argentina led 13-10 at halftime after early dominance, with Bautista Delguy scoring a try and Santiago Carreras converting it, giving the Pumas an early advantage. South Africa responded before the break with Cobus Reinach’s try, converted by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, narrowing the score to 13-10.
In the second half, the Springboks capitalized on Argentina’s errors. Malcolm Marx scored a try after a lineout maul, followed by Reinach’s second try to extend the lead to 22-13. Marx added another try from short range, helping South Africa secure the bonus point.
Argentina fought back late in the match, with Delguy and Rodrigo Isgro scoring tries, and Carreras converting both, cutting the deficit to two points. Despite a strong comeback, the Pumas fell short as South Africa held on to win 29-27.
Tries for the Springboks came from Cobus Reinach (2) and Malcolm Marx (2), with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding three conversions and a penalty goal. Argentina’s tries were scored by Bautista Delguy (2) and Rodrigo Isgro, with Carreras contributing three conversions and two penalties.
The victory reinforces South Africa’s position as the top-ranked team in the world and marks a memorable end to a competitive Rugby Championship season.
Cobus Reinach was named Player of the Match for his two-try performance.
