The time has officially come. The Springboks will take on Argentina in the Battle of Mbombela at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, September 28, to determine the winners of the 2024 Rugby Championship.
This weekend’s clash will have the most at stake of any match between the two sides since the 2015 Rugby World Cup bronze final the Springboks won in England. South Africa has a chance to win their first full Rugby Championship title since 2009, while Argentina has a chance to win their first one ever.
The South Africans have been in some fine form in the Rugby Championship this year, defeating both Australia and New Zealand twice. But so too have the Argentinians, who have beaten all three countries in a single Rugby Championship campaign at least once for the first time ever.
The Springboks were undefeated going into their trip to South America last week, but Los Pumas showcased serious fight and grit, the type their South African counterparts have become famous for. In front of a roaring Santiago crowd, the Argentinians gave their home supporters a lot to cheer for in the 29-28 triumph.
If the Boks win, they will secure a treble (Freedom Cup, Nelson Mandela Cup and the Rugby Championship) for the first time since 2009. If Argentina triumph in Mbombela, it will be the first time they beat the Springboks twice in a calendar year, and they will become the first side to beat the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium.
There are a few permutations for the match that will decide which side of the Atlantic Ocean the Rugby Championship title will end up on. For the Boks it’s rather simple – if they win, draw or lose by seven points or fewer, the title is theirs.
For Los Pumas, things are a bit more complicated. They need to acquire a bonus point on Saturday, and they need to do so by outscoring the Springboks by three tries or more, while also beating the World Cup winners by more than seven points.
Another factor that makes this match even more historic is that it is the first time that a test match between South Africa and Argentina has sold out in South Africa. There will be a surprise entertainment act prior to the game, along with other bits of live entertainment before and during the match, too.
The danger of an Argentine side hungry for history is not lost on Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus. “The odds are against Argentina, but that’s when a team can make anything possible,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday, September 24.
“We also have six fresh players who did not play on Saturday. Despite this, by all means, we do think Argentina believe they can do it. They are really passionate and they believe in the way they are playing.”
A landmark moment that will be celebrated during the test belongs to Eben Etzebeth, who will become the most-capped Springbok player of all time when he steps out onto the pitch. He will earn his 128th cap, surpassing Victor Matfield’s record of 127.
Mbombela’s executive mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, a passionate rugby fan herself, is excited to have the Boks back in town. “Having the Boks in Mbombela is always a pleasure. It gives a chance to form that kumbaya and to unite behind them,” she said earlier this week.
“Our accommodation establishments are fully booked and we’re expecting the economic boom to match – if not beat – the one we saw in 2022 when they were here the last time. I do believe that Mbombela Stadium is their home ground of sorts, and I certainly see it as their lucky charm as they have not lost here before.”
Whichever way the pendulum swings, and whichever side of the Atlantic Ocean the Rugby Championship trophy will land on, this weekend’s clash at Mbombela Stadium is bound to be remembered for countless reasons.
