South Africa claim Rugby Championship title with 48-7 victory over Argentina

South Africa 48-7 Argentina, Nelspruit

South Africa showcased their dominance and secured the 2024 Rugby Championship title with an emphatic 48-7 victory over Argentina at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. Fullback Aphelele Fassi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit each crossed the line twice, contributing to a commanding performance that highlighted the Springboks’ superiority in the tournament.

Springboks Dominate with Seven Tries

The Springboks’ victory was built on their prowess in the scrum and their flair in the backline, with inventive plays leading to tries for Cheslin Kolbe, Malcolm Marx, and Jesse Kriel. South Africa’s relentless attack and solid defense left Argentina struggling to keep up, especially after several discipline issues for the visitors.

Argentina managed only a single try from flyhalf Tomas Albornoz but faced setbacks with yellow cards for wing Mateo Carreras and fullback Santiago Carreras, as well as a 20-minute red card for flanker Pablo Matera following a dangerous play.

Eben Etzebeth Sets Record as Springboks Secure Championship

Adding to the celebration, lock Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok in history with his 128th appearance, surpassing the previous record held by Victor Matfield. The victory also saw South Africa finish the championship with 24 points, eight points ahead of their nearest rival, New Zealand.

Manie Libbok Leads the Charge

South Africa’s intent to run the ball was clear, with Manie Libbok orchestrating the attack from flyhalf. Despite deferring his kicking duties to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, Libbok’s influence was evident as he set up several tries for the Springboks. Aphelele Fassi opened the scoring early, with Du Toit adding another just moments later, giving South Africa a 14-0 lead within the first 15 minutes.

Argentina briefly rallied with Albornoz’s try but struggled to contain South Africa’s relentless pressure. Fassi’s second try and a dazzling finish by Kolbe extended the lead to 27-7 at halftime.

Argentina’s Discipline Falters Under Pressure

Argentina’s woes deepened in the second half when Pablo Matera was sent off for a dangerous clear-out on Vincent Koch, followed by Santiago Carreras’ yellow card for a deliberate knock-down. Taking full advantage of their numerical superiority, the Springboks ran in three more tries through Marx, Du Toit, and Kriel to seal the match.

Team line up:

South Africa XV: Fassi, Kolbe, Kriel, De Allende, Arendse; Libbok, Hendrikse; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese.

Reserves: Marx, Steenekamp, Koch, Louw, Smith, Reinach, Pollard, Am.

Argentina XV: S Carreras; Isgro, Moroni, Chocobares, M Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Sclavi, Rubiolo, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Grondona, Oviedo.

Reserves: Ruiz, Calles, Delgado, Molina, Matera, Bazan Velez, Cinti, Cruz Mallia.