Argentina v South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Los Pumas earn historic victory over Springboks
Argentina 29-28 South Africa: The defeat means the Springboks must win their last match to lift the trophy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Africa must wait before getting their hands on the Rugby Championship trophy after a superb 29-28 victory from Argentina stopped them from being crowned champions.
A blistering first half saw no fewer than seven tries as Los Pumas fought back from an early South African onslaught. The Springboks flew out of the traps with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel helping them to a 14-point lead before Handre Pollard added three more from a penalty kick.
At that stage it was all South Africa but a 10-minute sin bin for Kurt-Lee Arendse swung the momentum. With the extra man advantage, and their backs to the wall, the hosts put on a show for their watching fans.
Mateo Carreras, Pablo Matera and Joel Sclavi all forced their way over the line before a excellent dummy from Tomas Albornoz sent Argentina ahead. With Arendse restored just a few minutes before the break, Cobus Reinach sprinted in for a try and made it a four-point game heading into the second half.
A more tactical 40 minutes followed with the lead switching hands due to penalty kicks and no tries being scored. Substitute fly-half Manie Libbok had the chance to win the game in the 79th minute but whipped a kick wide and Los Pumas hung on to clinch the win by a point.
Relive the action from the Rugby Championship clash in our live blog below:
HT Argentina 26-22 South Africa
What does the second half have in store? Can South Africa claim the win and the title or will Argentina secure a famous victory?
We’re about to find out.
HT Argentina 26-22 South Africa
Half-time! Argentina 26-22 South Africa
40 mins: Not a great deal to separate these teams in terms of points. Argentina have fought back brilliantly after a blistering start from the Boks.
All the play for in the second half.
TRY! Argentina 26-22 South Africa - Cobus Reinach, 39 mins
39 mins: That didn’t take long!
A penalty advantage is taken quickly with Cobus Reinach taking the ball and sprinting for the sticks before switching direction and leaving the defence in tatters.
He scores but Pollard misses the kick.
Argentina 26-17 South Africa
38 mins: South Africa want some control back. They can get it with time on the ball before the break. A couple of minutes to go and the Springboks have a set just a few metres from the try line.
TRY! Argentina 26-17 South Africa - Tomas Albornoz, 35 mins
35 mins: The Springboks hold the Pumas on the edge of the line but a scramble from Marco van Staden gives away penalty advantage.
Argentina tap and run. The ball is dislodged out of the ruck and scooped up by the hosts before coming across to Tomas Albornoz driving towards the right corner.
He dummies, cuts back inside of the nearest defender and crosses the line.
Albornoz then converts!
Argentina 19-17 South Africa
32 mins: It’s hot, it’s humid, the ball is slippy. Argentina are on the attack. Matera is involved in most of their play having moved into the centre of the line to as a playmaker.
They’re patient and win a penalty so decide to kick for touch. More defending for South Africa to do now.
Argentina 19-17 South Africa
29 mins: The match has been turned on its head but Kurt-Lee Arendse is out of the sin bin and the playing field is level again now.
Almost on cue, South Africa drive forward before losing possession and forcing Argentina to boot it clear.
TRY! Argentina 19-17 South Africa - Joel Sclavi, 26 mins
26 mins: Los Pumas are in again!
With field position inside the 10 metres they have a lineout and set off a driving maul. South Africa force the maul into touch but the ball is offloaded as the last possible moment and plucked out of the air by Joel Sclavi.
Sclavi shuffles to the line and drops over for another five points and the lead.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments