South Africa’s Springboks came from behind to defeat Argentina 29–27 at Twickenham on Saturday, retaining the Rugby Championship title for the first time after edging New Zealand on points difference.
Earlier, the All Blacks had beaten Australia 28–14 in Perth to move level on points, but South Africa’s superior points margin meant any win would be enough to secure the crown.
After a shaky start that saw them trail 13–10 at half-time, the Springboks powered back through their forwards, with Malcolm Marx scoring twice and Cobus Reinach adding another try to give them a 29–13 lead.
Despite late tries from the Pumas, the defending world champions held firm to seal their sixth Rugby Championship triumph, finishing with a +57 points difference to New Zealand’s +8.
“It’s unreal,” said man-of-the-match Reinach. “We spoke about it the whole week. We had not won it back-to-back before. Argentina are tough they keep fighting all game but we’re getting there.”
Argentina had taken an early lead through winger Bautista Delguy and led for much of the first half, but their discipline faltered after prop Mayco Vivas was sin-binned for a high tackle. The Springboks’ dominant scrum proved decisive as Marx and Reinach punished the Pumas’ defence.
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi praised his side’s effort despite the defeat. “We fought to the end and played some good rugby,” he said. “But the team that won was the better side today. There is no doubt about that.”
