Aphelele Fassi goes over for one of his tries against Argentina in Mbombela. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The Springboks beat the Pumas in the final Rugby Championship game of the 2024 season 48-7 in Mbombela on Saturday to claim the Rugby Championship title.
It was a strong showing by the world champions who scored seven tries to the one by Argentina, and coming after last week’s 29-28 defeat to the same team in Santiago.
The match marked the 128th appearance for the Boks by Eben Etzebeth, to become South Africa’s most capped player.
New Zealand finished second on the Rugby Championship log with 16 points, to the Boks’ 24. Argentina finished third with 14 and Australia fourth with five points.
The Boks’ win was laid up front with a strong scrum performance and some quality lineout work, with Ox Nche, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi all delivering strong performances. Jasper Wiese also played well.
At the back, Jaden Hendrikse and Manie Libbok led the attack, with Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel also prominent, while Cheslin Kolbe and Aphelele Fassi were outstanding in attack and defence.
Below is how the Citizen covered the match.
Live commentary from the Test in Mbombela on Saturday will appear below. To see the latest posts please click the refresh button.
South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Malcolm Marx, Vincent Koch, Gerhard Steenekamp, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am
Argentina: Santiago Carreras, Rodrigo Isgro, Matias Moroni, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia, Joaquin Oviedo, Santiago Grondona, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tomas Lavanini, Pedro Rubiolo, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (capt), Thomas Gallo. Bench: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Pedro Delgado, Franco Molina, Pablo Matera, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Lucio Cinti, Juan Cruz Mallia.
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