Rugby Championship permutations: What do South Africa and Argentina need in final round to win title?
The Pumas’ dramatic win over the Springboks on the penultimate weekend kept them in the hunt
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 and Argentina are both still in the hunt for a rare Rugby Championship title as the two sides prepare to meet again in Mbombela.
The Pumas’ outstanding win over the Springboks in Santiago del Estero kept their hopes of triumph alive as Felipe Contepomi’s side continued a fine campaign that has seen them beat all three of their tournament foes.
To lift a trophy that have not won before, though, will require Argentina to pull off a shock final-round victory over their title rivals.
The Springboks begin their final fixture five points clear at the top of the table and will be champions for only the second time since the Pumas’ addition to the competition if they secure even a single bonus point on home soil.
Argentina, meanwhile, have to win with a try bonus point and ensure that their hosts do not take a losing bonus point. In the Rugby Championship, teams are awarded a bonus point for scoring three tries more than their opponent, or for losing by a margin of seven points or fewer.
But should the visitors secure the five-point swing they require, the title will be theirs regardless of points difference.
If two teams finish level on competition points, the higher-placed finisher is the one more successful in the meetings between the pair. As Argentina would, in this scenario, have beaten South Africa twice, they would finish top of the table.
New Zealand beat Australia in Wellington in the other final-round fixture. Both the All Blacks and Wallabies were out of the title chase, though the hosts climbed above Argentina with their bonus point win.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE AFTER FIVE ROUNDS
| Pos | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Points difference | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 140 | 87 | +53 | 19 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 175 | 138 | +37 | 16 |
| 3 | Argentina | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 163 | 147 | +16 | 14 |
| 4 | Australia | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 107 | 213 | −106 | 5 |
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments