In a thrilling Rugby Championship match in Santiago del Estero, Argentina secured a dramatic 29-28 victory over South Africa with a penalty kick from Tomas Albornoz. The win keeps Argentina’s hopes of winning the championship alive as they are now just five points behind the leading Springboks.
Argentina’s comeback was fueled by four tries from Mateo Carreras, Pablo Matera, Joel Sclavi, and Albornoz, as they turned a 17-0 deficit into a 26-22 halftime lead. South Africa, who had made several changes to their starting lineup, scored tries through Aphelele Fassi, Jesse Kriel, and Cobus Reinach but ultimately fell short in their bid for a perfect championship record.
The final meeting between the two sides in Nelspruit next Saturday will determine the championship winner. South Africa needs just one point to secure their fifth Southern Hemisphere crown, but Argentina has proven to be a formidable opponent.
Stand-in South Africa captain Salmaan Moerat praised Argentina for their persistence and pressure, acknowledging that his team needed to improve on maintaining pressure and limiting mistakes. The Springboks showed moments of quality rugby but were ultimately outplayed by a determined Argentine side.
Despite the loss, the Springboks celebrated Eben Etzebeth’s record-equalling 127th cap, which ties him for the all-time list with Victor Matfield. The upcoming final match between Argentina and South Africa promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an exciting Rugby Championship season.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
