The Springboks edged Argentina 29-27 in a gripping finale at Twickenham to secure back-to-back Castle Rugby Championship titles for the first time.
The equation was simple going into the final round: win, and the trophy would return to South African hands. Anything less would give the title to New Zealand, who had beaten Australia earlier in the day.
The decider was anything but straightforward.
Los Pumas struck first and led 13-10 at half-time, aided by an early yellow card for Canan Moodie that disrupted the Boks’ rhythm.
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In the second half, however, South Africa’s forwards began to impose themselves, shifting the balance of the contest.
Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored his second try and hooker Malcolm Marx crossed twice as the Boks surged into a commanding 29-13 lead going into the final quarter.
But Los Pumas refused to fold, with tries from Bautista Delguy, who intercepted a wayward Cheslin Kolbe pass, and Rodrigo Isgro, in the last play of the game, getting Argentina back within two points. Fullback Santiago Carreras also missed a 77th-minute penalty goal.
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The Springboks finished level with the All Blacks on 19 log points but claimed the Rugby Championship on points difference.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
