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:
Argentina vs South Africa LIVE
- Argentina earn slender 29-28 victory over South Africa in the Rugby Championship
- Defeat means Springboks must win round six fixture to claim tournament trophy
- TRY! Reinach closes the gap on stroke of half-time (ARG 26-22 SA)
- TRY! Tomas Albornoz scores after a fine dummy (ARG 26-17)
- TRY! Sclavi drops over after a driving maul (ARG 19-17 SA)
- TRY! Matera gets in from the left wing (ARG 14-17 SA)
- TRY! Carreras punches back for Argentina (ARG 7-17 SA)
- TRY! Kriel breaks the line and dives under the sticks (ARG 0-14 SA)
- TRY! Fassi goes over for the first score of the match (ARG 0-7 SA)
FT Argentina 29-28 South Africa
00:26 , Mike Jones
FT Argentina 29-28 South Africa
00:14 , Mike JonesWhat a game, what a result!
The Rugby Championship is still alive and will be decided in South Africa in the final round of the tournament. That’s waht everyone would have been hoping for.
Expect a revitalised Springboks side for that one.
Full-time! Argentina 29-28 South Africa
00:04 , Mike JonesLos Pumas turn over the ball! They’ve won it right at the death and South Africa have to wait for the Rugby Championship title. The competition will be decided in the final round.
An insanely entertaining encounter comes to an end with Argentina nicking the win by a point!
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
00:02 , Mike Jones79 mins: Libbok sends it wide!
Oh wow. Talk about drama. There might still be time for South Africa to win this but that was the moment to make sure and the substitute fly-half missed it.
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
00:00 , Mike Jones78 mins: Argentina get out of the scrum but give away a penalty advantage with their first tackle. It’s a foul right in front of the sticks so Manie Libbok decides to kick.
This could be the match…
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
23:57 , Mike Jones77 mins: A knock on by Argentina, just inside their own half means South Africa will have another go at the scrum. Less than three minutes to play, how crucial will this be?
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
23:53 , Mike Jones74 mins: What a result from Los Pumas! South Africa try to drive too early and break the scrum meaning the ball is awarded to Argentina.
They need to control the ball from a few minutes. Another try, heck a penalty, might be enough to win them this game.
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
23:51 , Mike Jones72 mins: South Africa win a scrum within kicking distance of the posts. Argentina need to be strong and avoid giving up any penalties.
It’s that close of a game. Any mistake now could be fatal.
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
23:50 , Mike Jones71 mins: Less than 10 minutes to play and South Africa trail. How will they end this match, the Rugby Championship is on the line if they can get past Los Pumas.
Time is ticking away.
Argentina 29-28 South Africa
23:47 , Mike Jones69 mins: Argentina break through Tomas Albornoz who darts into space and drives his team up the pitch. They’re in a great position after a dainty pass round the corner and a hand-off from the fly-half but can’t convert that into a try.
Instead they kick from a penalty and Albornoz puts Argentina back into the lead. Game on.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:45 , Mike Jones66 mins: Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s usual captain, isn’t part of the squad today but is still in the dugout and is living every moment of this match.
There’s a lot of scrappiness settling in on this game with players pushing and shoving to get to a high ball. Again more stoppages and a scrum to Los Pumas.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:39 , Mike Jones63 mins: The game has become stop-start with lots of set pieces. South Africa are happy about that due to how strong their scrum is. Argentina look like they’re heading into their energy reserves already.
They need to bounce back into life.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:37 , Mike Jones60 mins: South Africa look to dominate from the scrum on the hour mark. They win the penalty advantage and sweep the ball quickly out to the left wing.
A fumble from Fassi turns the ball into touch for an Argentina lineout though. The second half hasn’t been anywhere near as bombastic as the first.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:30 , Mike Jones56 mins: Players from both sides are feeling the heat of the day and the heat of the match. Every chance at taking a break is being taken and the substitutes are very much needed here.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:29 , Mike Jones53 mins: Oh yeah, it’ll be a tough one for Argentina to get back into this game. The gap is only two points but they’re being made to work but the South African subs.
The last 10 minutes have all belonged to the visitors. Argentina need to get time on the ball.
Argentina 26-28 South Africa
23:26 , Mike Jones50 mins: Boom! Manie Libbok, on the field now in place of Handre Pollard, decides to kick for a penalty after a high tackle and boots the ball between the posts from a long way out.
South Africa edge back into the lead. The momentum is slowly creeping their way.
Argentina 26-25 South Africa
23:21 , Mike Jones47 mins: Fassi is unable to collect a high ball from Pollard but the Springboks turn the ball back over. They don’t hold onto it for long and a kicking game develops in the middle of the pitch.
Both teams need a breather.
Argentina 26-25 South Africa
23:19 , Mike Jones44 mins: Constant pressure from South Africa but equally decent defensive work from Argentina lock the teams in a sort of stalemate five metres or so from the try line.
An error from Argentina gives up a penalty advantage and the Boks decide to kick with Handre Pollard find the middle of the sticks for three more points.
This may be a more tactical half.
Argentina 26-22 South Africa
23:15 , Mike JonesHandre Pollard gets the second half underway with his team trailing by four. The chase is superb and the Springboks take back possession inside Argentina’s 22!
HT Argentina 26-22 South Africa
23:12 , Mike JonesWhat 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
23:06 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Argentina 26-22 South Africa
23:00 , Mike Jones40 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
22:59 , Mike Jones39 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
22:57 , Mike Jones38 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
22:55 , Mike Jones35 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
22:51 , Mike Jones32 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
22:48 , Mike Jones29 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
22:46 , Mike Jones26 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.
Argentina 14-17 South Africa
22:43 , Mike Jones25 mins: Kurt-Lee Arendse was the man who collected a yellow card and a 10-minute sit down. It’s been disastrous for South Africa as Argentina have dominated since then.
TRY! Argentina 14-17 South Africa – Pablo Matera, 22 mins
22:41 , Mike Jones22 mins: South Africa have a man off the pitch which has helped Los Pumas get back into this match, The swing the ball out to the left where Mateo Carreras catches an offload, plays the dummy and drives at Aphelele Fassi.
Fassi has to commit but Pablo Matera had space on the wing and receives the pass from Carreras before running to the line.
The conversion is good.
Argentina 7-17 South Africa
22:36 , Mike Jones19 mins: It’s a game now! Argentina tend to play better with their backs against the wall and after that start from South Africa they needed a response.
The momentum swung their way after the try and Tomas Albornoz pings a penalty kick in the hopes of moving within one try of the Springboks.
But he misses.
TRY! Argentina 7-17 South Africa – Mateo Carreras, 15 mins
22:32 , Mike Jones15 mins: Big reply! Santiago Chocobares uses the long levers of his legs to evade a low tackle and breaks through the South African defence.
He’s flying on the left side and has Mateo Carreras for company. The perfect opportunity comes for the offload and he lays of across to the winger who scores!
Argentina 0-17 South Africa
22:28 , Mike Jones13 mins: Pollard’s penalty from the left side of the pitch is strong, he curls it between the sticks and adds another three points for Springboks.
Argentina 0-14 South Africa
22:26 , Mike Jones11 mins: The Springboks are on the attack again. They’re unrelenting for Los Pumas and Jesse Kriel plucks control of the ball deep in the opposition half.
There’s a great chance to add more points and Pollard goes for the kick.
TRY! Argentina 0-14 South Africa – Jesse Kriel, 8 mins
22:24 , Mike Jones8 mins: Another one! South Africa have come out all guns blazing here.
A line break and slick offload gets the Argentina defence on the backfoot and more quick hands float the ball into the path of Jesse Kirel. He flies through a gap and dives in under the sticks.
Pollard converts.
Argentina 0-7 South Africa
22:21 , Mike Jones7 mins: This game isn’t quite at mismatch levels but South Africa look like they’re playing at a higher gear already and we’re only a few minutes into the match.
Argentina turn the ball over then clear their lines. That’s about the best they can do at the minute as they look to settle back into the game.
TRY! Argentina 0-7 South Africa – Aphelele Fassi, 4 mins
22:19 , Mike JonesTry! 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
22:16 , Mike Jones3 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
22:14 , Mike JonesLos 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
22:11 , Mike JonesThe 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
22:02 , Mike JonesLos 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
21:56 , Mike JonesAlmost 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
21:52 , Mike JonesNew 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 two weeks ago.
Argentina vs South Africa match officials
21:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Matt Carley (Eng) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Argentina vs South Africa
21:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere 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 , but the uber-consistent Pollard is just so reliable.
Argentina look to match Springboks back five strength
21:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina 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.
21:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleBoth New Zealand and Australia were already out of the Rugby Championship title race when they met earlier, but the pair served up a doozy, with the Wallabies roaring back to threaten a sensational comeback in Sydney. There was just too much to do, though, as the All Blacks rode a fast start to ensure that the Bledisloe Cup will remain on their side of the Tasman.
Team news – South Africa
21:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleRassie Erasmus makes ten changes to the Springboks side that beat New Zealand, with seven of his squad rested entirely from the trip. Salmaan Moerat leads the side once more after making his captaincy debut against Australia earlier in the competition, with lock Etzebeth set to equal Victor Matfield’s Springbok record of 127 Test appearances if he takes the field from the bench. Handre Pollard continues at fly half.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 Ruan Nortje, 5 Salmaan Moerat (capt.); 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith; 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Manie Libbok.
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