Argentina v South Africa LIVE: Latest score and updates as Springboks look to secure Rugby Championship
Springboks are hoping to win the tournament for first time since 2019
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South Africa take on Argentina on the brink of securing a rare Rugby Championship crown after two wins over the All Blacks.
The Springboks have won this competition just once since the Pumas’ addition to the tournament and not since 2019, but a win of any kind will be good enough to make certain of the title. Rassie Erasmus’ side start their penultimate game eight points ahead of their opponents, who are the only team able to catch them.
With a return fixture to come next week, Erasmus has rested a couple of key figures, with Siya Kolisi in the coaches’ box rather than on the pitch as he manages a facial injury. Argentina may therefore spy an opportunity to cause a shock — the hosts are full of confidence after producing a record win against Australia a fortnight ago.
Follow all of the action from the Rugby Championship clash in our live blog below:
TRY! Argentina 0-7 South Africa - Aphelele Fassi, 4 mins
Try! South Africa have the first score of the game and it’s pretty simple in the end. A penalty kick into touch to gain field position. Moving the ball quickly from the lineout, across to Handre Pollard.
Pollard picks out Aphelele Fassi who flies into space and leaps over the line. Pollard converts for the extra two.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa
3 mins: Cobus Reinach feeds a scrum and South Africa swep the ball out to the right wing after forcing Argentina back from the scrum.
Kurt-Lee Arendse tries to get into space but is flipped onto his back in a heavy tackle. Argentina are here to play.
Kick off! Argentina 0-0 South Africa
Los Pumas get the match underway and fly quickly up the pitch to put some early pressure on the Springboks. They win themselves a lineout but Gonzalo Bertranou fumbles a catch and hands the ball back to the visitors
Argentina v South Africa
The national anthems of both countries are played with the players all belting out their respective songs. The Argentinian anthem is an upbeat and rousing one.
The fans are hyped...
Argentina v South Africa
Los Pumas play host the Springboks in round five of the Rugby Championship. It’s a hot day in Argentina and conditions will be tricky for the visitors.
South Africa seem confident though. This should be a good match up.
Argentina vs South Africa
Almost time for this Rugby Championship match to get going. South Africa are overwhelming favourites having won all four of their games against Australia and New Zealand.
Another victory tonight will see them lift the trophy for the first time since 2019. Can they get it done?
Kick off is up next...
All Blacks survive thrilling Wallabies comeback to cling on to Bledisloe Cup
New Zealand scored four tries in the first 25 minutes and held off a late Australian fightback with 13 men to beat the Wallabies 31-28 in a Rugby Championship thriller at Stadium Australia.
The All Blacks were held to one penalty in the second half and lost two players to yellow cards, but their early lead proved enough to earn an eighth straight win over their neighbours and ensure they would retain the Bledisloe Cup for another year.
The Wallabies will take heart from their second half fightback, especially after the record 67-27 loss to Argentina two weeks ago.
All Blacks survive thrilling Wallabies comeback to cling on to Bledisloe Cup
Australia 28-31 New Zealand: A fast start allowed the visitors to prevail in Sydney despite another second-half collapse
Argentina vs South Africa match officials
Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Matt Carley (Eng) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Argentina vs South Africa
There were some quite pointed comments from Rassie Erasmus this week on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has not perhaps endeared himself to his head coach by hiding an injury from the Springboks staff to feature against the All Blacks.
“What our players must understand; we have respect for everybody, but we must be honest when it comes to injuries,” Erasmus said. “Nobody who’s got an injury and 80% ready is better than a Springbok who has no injuries and is 100% ready. So Sacha is lucky that we won those Test matches because he gambled a bit.”
The youngster will not feature until November, leaving Handre Pollard to take the reins in these last two Rugby Championship Tests. You’d still imagine that Feinberg-Mngomezulu will regain his spot at the top of the fly half pecking order as South Africa embrace a more expansive style, but the uber-consistent Pollard is just so reliable.
Argentina look to match Springboks back five strength
Argentina are developing real depth in their back five of the pack, with old stagers like Marcos Kremer and Guido Petti joined by youngsters Pedro Rubiolo and Joaquin Oviedo, who are developing quickly to become key figures. It is a mark of the quality at the disposal of Felipe Contepomi that he can leave Juan Martin Gonzalez in reserve to match the Springboks’ bench punch and not feel like he is losing too much from his starting side.
A group still led by Pablo Matera will have to match South Africa today. The visitors are without four of their regular starting five at the back of the scrum - if Argentina can get on top of that remodelled group at the breakdown and dominate the lineout, a shock could very well be on the cards.
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