Springbok Edge Los Pumas In Nations Championship In Nail-Biting Clash
The Springboks delivered a gutsy performance ahead of their upcoming blockbuster clashes against the All Blacks, edging Argentina 17-10 in their Nations Championship fixture at Estadio José Amalfitano in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
It was a scrappy match for South Africa, but they will care little about the aesthetic as the victory ensured they retain top spot in the world rugby rankings. The Boks were returning to the site of their 2024 defeat, a result that had temporarily derailed their Rugby Championship title push before they set the record straight at Mbombela Stadium, where Eben Etzebeth made history and South Africa claimed the trophy.
In Saturday’s clash, the Springboks initially struggled to gain a foothold as the ball repeatedly failed to stick in the first half. Argentina capitalized on their early dominance when Benjamín Grondona crashed over for the opening try, which Santiago Carreras converted.
South Africa’s lineout struggled for accuracy, and record-cap holder Etzebeth lost possession close to the line while building phases. Adding to coach Rassie Erasmus’s frustration, captain Siya Kolisi was forced off early with a calf injury—concerning news ahead of four massive test matches against New Zealand.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked a penalty to keep South Africa on the board before Edwill van der Merwe finished brilliantly on the wing to bring the Boks level at 10-10 heading into halftime.
Unsatisfied with the opening half, Erasmus swapped out his halfback pairing on the hour mark, introducing Handré Pollard and Morné van den Berg. Pollard’s tactical kick inside the 22 earned a scrum deep in opposition territory, allowing Cameron Hanekom to crash over for his first international try and give South Africa a 17-10 lead.
The Bomb Squad’s physicality stifled Argentina’s momentum in the closing stages. Although Los Pumas pressed hard for an equalizer near the tryline, the Springboks held firm in defense until an Argentine knock-on sealed a hard-fought away victory.
