South Africa Clinches First Championship Victory Since 2019

South Africa secured their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 with a resounding 48-7 win over Argentina in Nelspruit. The Springboks, through an overwhelming first-half effort, scored early and often with Aphelele Fassi grabbing two tries, followed by Pieter-Steph du Toit's first of two tries. Fassi and Du Toit’s influence featured prominently in the match, while a Cheslin Kolbe try heightened South Africa’s early lead. This is prepared by SSP.

Argentina countered with a spirited response when fly-half Tomas Albornoz grounded their lone try. However, disciplinary issues hampered their efforts. Replacement Pablo Matera's yellow card was controversially upgraded to a 20-minute red card due to head contact during a ruck clearance. This blow, combined with Santiago Carreras’s yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, left Argentina vulnerable. Malcolm Marx capitalized on this, scoring from a maul, cementing South Africa's dominance.

The Springboks didn't ease off in the second half. Du Toit scored once more, and Jesse Kriel expertly caught a delicate kick from Handre Pollard to finalize the ruthless display.

This significant victory allowed South Africa to avenge their tight 29-28 defeat the previous week in Argentina—a result that had stalled their title hopes. South Africa's indomitable performance not only reinstated their status but also marked a historic match for Eben Etzebeth, who became the nation’s most-capped player with 128 games.

Despite enduring a comprehensive defeat, the Pumas concluded their most successful Rugby Championship yet, having secured wins against all opponents and maintaining an outside chance for the title until the final match.

For South Africa, this has been a testament to Rassie Erasmus’s exceptional coaching abilities, further highlighting a career adorned with multiple accolades, including two World Cups and a victory over the British and Irish Lions. The Springboks now shift their focus to the upcoming Autumn Internationals against Scotland, England, and Wales, aiming to carry their winning momentum forward.