South Africa survived a brutal battle with Argentina to pip New Zealand to the Rugby Championship title.
The Springboks retained their crown for the first time with a narrow 29-27 win as they took over Twickenham, though really had to fight to secure success. Argentina brought a ferociously physical first-half performance to rock South Africa, needing a victory of any kind to knock the All Blacks off top spot, and take a lead at the interval. Watching on from Perth having beaten Australia earlier, New Zealand’s hopes would have been raised.
The world champions’ power game soon came to the fore, though, opening up a 29-13 lead that looked unassailable. The Pumas showed real spirit, however, to launch a late fightback and had their chances to snatch it late on - Santiago Carreras struck the upright with a penalty that would have made Rodrigo Isgro’s stoppag-time score the match-winner. As it was, Argentina were left two points short, and South Africa emerged as kings of the southern hemisphere again.
Follow all of the latest from the Rugby Championship clash with our live blog below:
Argentina vs South Africa live
- South Africa win Rugby Championship with victory over Argentina at Twickenham
- Springboks pip All Blacks on points difference to retain their crown
- TRY! ARGENTINA 7-0 South Africa (Bautista Delguy, 5 minutes)
- TRY! Argentina 13-10 SOUTH AFRICA (Cobus Reinach, 39 minutes)
- TRY! Argentina 13-15 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx, 45 minutes)
- TRY! Argentina 13-22 SOUTH AFRICA (Cobus Reinach, 52 minutes)
- TRY! Argentina 13-29 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx, 59 minutes)
- TRY! ARGENTINA 20-29 South Africa (Bautista Delguy try, 66 minutes)
- FT: Argentina 27-29 South Africa
How the Springboks took over Twickenham to make more history
17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How South Africa transformed Twickenham to make more Springboks history
Siya Kolisi celebrates more South African success
16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It was a tough day,” Kolisi says. “Credit to Argentina, who came hard. I am so proud of our boys. It was not the perfect game but the fight we show each and every time. The players we have coming off the bench are so special. We have been playing against a quality teams and it has been a tough Rugby Championship.
“Under Rassie Erasmus, you never feel you are going to lose. We took a lot of learnings out of the first game [a defeat to Australia at home]. I could not be more proud of our country, our people who come out each and every week. We know our country goes through a lot and us winning makes people feel good. Thank you so much to the people of South Africa for backing us.”
Cobus Reinach reflects on South Africa's success
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It is unreal [to win consecutive Rugby Championships],” the scrum half tells the hosts broadcaster. “We have not won it ever back-to-back. Going back-to-back shows a lot of character.
“We are growing, there are a lot of improvements still to make. You are not going to run over any team. Argentina are unreal and have a lot of dog in them. Like us, they keep fighting. It is one of the best jobs in the world to be the scrum-half behind our pack.”
SOUTH AFRICA RETAIN THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
16:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleSiya Kolisi has the Rugby Championship trophy in his hands - for the first time, South Africa have retained the title, again establishing themselves as the class of the southern hemisphere.
FT: Argentina 27-29 South Africa
16:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleFast, furious and physical to the last, but the Springboks emerge as Rugby Championship winners once again.
South Africa retain their crown, beating New Zealand on points difference after the pair finished level on points at the top of the table.
FULL TIME: Argentina 27-29 South Africa
15:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! ARGENTINA 27-29 South Africa (Rodrigo Isgro, 82 minutes)
15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleA flying Rodrigo Isgro has the last word!
The Harlequins wing, in his home parish across the road from his usual chapel, showcases his supreme aerial skill, collecting Santiago Carreras’s well-weighted crossfield kick. Carreras converts, making his missed three from the tee a couple of moments ago costly.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 81 minutes
15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo the maul Argentina go, making five of the ten metres they need but no further. How about the cross kick, though?
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 80 minutes
15:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina win a last-minute penalty, but whatever they muster will not be enough - South Africa have retained their title.
Can the Pumas finish with a flourish, though?
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 79 minutes
15:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleDo they consider a drop goal at this juncture? Not if the referee’s whistle intervenes. Tomas Rapetti is deemed offside as he picks and drives from within a ruck and that will surely seal it.
Missed penalty! Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 78 minutes
15:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff the upright! Argentina regather possession but three points go begging!
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 77 minutes
15:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight - penalty Argentina for a late tackle. It’s centrefield, 40 metres out - take the three?
Yep. Santiago Carreras will try to drag Argentina within a score.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 76 minutes
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoylePerhaps not! Where has that come from? Boris Wenger draws a scrum penalty out of Wilco Louw. Hope?
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 75 minutes
15:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleA couple of scrum resets tick more time off the clock, which suits South Africa fine. This may be beyond Argentina at this point.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 73 minutes
15:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleEthan Hooker shows off some athleticism in open space yet can’t lift his chip over the last defender. Argentina soon knock on.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 71 minutes
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleBenitez Cruz is replaced by Agustin Moyano as Argentina again explore the fringes of the South African 22. Pinching paws in the air ensure the ball comes back on the Springboks’ side, though, and Manie Libbok puts boot to ball to clear their lines.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 69 minutes
15:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleWasteful, that. Argentina play inwards and then back to the blindside, yet scrum half Simon Benitez Cruz’s pass is between Julian Montoya and Juan Martin Gonzalez and, therefore, collected by neither.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 69 minutes
15:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleError-after-error all of a sudden! Bongi Mbonambiu steps across a chasing Bautista Delguy and is rightly penalised for obstruction. Argentina kick into the South Africa 22.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa, 68 minutes
15:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s restored a bit of fight into the Argentina ranks, the intensity lifting again with the door unexpectedly opened.
South Africa switch their half-backs: Grant Williamns and Manie Libbok come on, and the latter immediately misses touch with a penalty.
TRY! ARGENTINA 20-29 South Africa (Bautista Delguy try, 66 minutes)
15:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleA total gift to give Argentina hope!
What is Cheslin Kolbe thinking? That’s an abominable decision and pass from the wing, hurling to no-one in particular inside his own half. Bautista Delguy corrals the bouncing ball at the second attempt and canters under the posts to bring the Pumas back into it!
Argentina 13-29 South Africa, 64 minutes
15:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleSacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s drop goals need some work, a wretched dead duck failing to fly and trundling into the Argentina in-goal. Nothing like the pair of beauties that George Ford slotted through the storm at The Rec for Sale last night.
Argentina 13-29 South Africa, 63 minutes
15:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou just feel Argentina don’t have a hope of righting the ship when their scrum is struggling so much. Juan Martin Gonzalez, who is some athlete, plucks an intercept and swiftly strides away in the direction of the posts, but young Tomas Rapetti had been marmalised by Jan-Hendrik Wessels a few moments prior, earning South Africa another set-piece penalty.
Julian Montoya’s side are now on two warnings, one for discipline in the 22 and one for their failure to scrummage legally.
Argentina 13-29 South Africa, 60 minutes
15:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat may well be Malcolm Marx’s last act. The hooker is taken off for a head injury assessment but his afternoon is surely over either way, Bongi Mbonambi on to see out the 80 minutes.
Siya Kolisi is bound for the bench, too. Kwagga Smith steps in to the back row.
TRY! Argentina 13-29 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx, 59 minutes)
15:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd a few phases later, Malcolm Marx batters through! The dam may just have burst for Argentina, unable to quell the Springboks might any more. Back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns surely beckon.
Argentina 13-22 South Africa, 58 minutes
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleEven when things go well for Argentina, South Africa are profiting at the moment. Malcolm Marx’s lineout is stolen but the hooker is fastest to react to the bouncing ball...
Argentina 13-22 South Africa, 57 minutes
15:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe scrum brings a penalty, inevitably, for South Africa, and Jesse Kriel collects a canny chip over the top from centre partner Damian de Allende.
Two high tackles inside the 22 give the Springboks more freedom with which to play, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu unfurls something outrageous, flicking the ball out the back door some 20 metres. It comes to nothing, so back they will come for the penalty. Referee Andrea Piardi warns Argentina captain Julian Montoya about his side’s conduct.
Argentina 13-22 South Africa, 55 minutes
15:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa’s blitz hasn’t been totally impregnable today but the Springboks are doing well to cut off passing lanes. Geronimo Prisciantelli cleverly lifts a netball-style chest pass into space after his initial route had been blocked, but the subsequent toss of a teammate is forward.
Argentina 13-22 South Africa, 54 minutes
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina are aggrieved when a peep of referee Andrea Piardi’s whistle brings them to a halt when beginning to build towards full flow, though they are quietened quickly as they spot tighthead prop Francisco Coria Marchetti in severe discomfort in the direction they are headed. The prop is helped off the pitch, and is thankfully able to stagger over to the bench.
Into the fire young Tomas Rapetti is thrown - it’s a Test debut for the 20-year-old.
TRY! Argentina 13-22 SOUTH AFRICA (Cobus Reinach, 52 minutes)
15:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Springboks assert their ascendancy!
Phase after phase, the forwards bash on the door, but it’s the little man who provides the telling knock to get it to swing open. Cobus Reinach snares a second; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converts, and South Africa are beginning to take control.
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 51 minutes
15:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe new props don’t change the story at the scrum. Wessels and Louw munch their men and South Africa kick the penalty to within seven metres of the Argentina line.
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 50 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleJasper Wiese thinks he has been given free rein to rampage away when a ricochet lands in his lap following a contestable kick, but Cheslin Kolbe knocked on in the air.
Changes for South Africa, including a new pair of props: Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw step in as Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit take leave. Jesse Kriel is also on for Canan Moodie.
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 48 minutes
15:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe physicality of the contest is taking its toll. Even Eben Etzebeth, practically forged out of granite, has been cut open, and the lock is forced off to be stitched up with the blood pouring out from beneath the eye.
Mayco Vivas’s yellow card has been upheld. He’ll be back. Argentina make a double switch in the back five of their back, with Juan Martin Gonzalez and Joaquin Oviedo handy men to bring on.
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 48 minutes
15:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleHe can! And off go Argentina, Simon Benitez Cruz sniping smartly and then handing over to his forwards to make metres inside the South Africa 22.
Not for long! Malcolm Marx’s massive shoulders limpet over an under-resourced ruck and the Springboks survive. A vital intervention from the hooker, with Argentina really building some momentum.
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 47 minutes
15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA knock on from South Africa in the aerial contest will force Argentina to send on Boris Wenger to cover the sin-binned Mayco Vivas; centre Justo Piccardo trudges off temporarily. Can Wenger solidify things at the set-piece?
Argentina 13-15 South Africa, 46 minutes
15:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat wind will continue to cause problems. A Cobus Reinach box kick goes miles in the air and lands between about four catchers from each side, no-one able to track its flight correctly. It hops into touch.
TRY! Argentina 13-15 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx, 45 minutes)
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoylePure power! A meaty maul and Malcolm Marx peels away from it at the right time, bashing through Bautista Delguy and into the corner.
South Africa lead for the first time - and as things stand are Rugby Championship winners.
YELLOW CARD! Mayco Vivas is sent to the sin bin (Argentina 13-10 South Africa, 43 minutes)
15:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleYellow card - at least. Andrea Piardi sends Mayco Vivas to the sin bin. The Italian referee suggests to Siya Kolisi that he doesn’t think it was a tucked arm, and thus not always illegal, which would probably mean the sanction won’t be upgraded with the mitigating impact of the change of direction caused by the second tackler.
With Argentina shorn of a forward, Kolisi directs his pack to the left corner.
TMO check! Argentina 13-10 South Africa, 42 minutes
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleVivas could be in a bit of trouble. There’s head contact on Eben Etzebeth as the lock is shoved into him by Guido Petti.
Argentina 13-10 South Africa, 42 minutes
15:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleA scrum a matter of moments into the half allows South Africa a penalty. Siya Kolisi pauses to consider the options, but I think will go for goal - but not before a TMO check, with Ian Tempest wanting to review foul play by Mayco Vivas.
Second half...
15:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack underway.
Tricky conditions
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe wind, if anything, is only whipping up even quicker at the interval as Storm Amy strikes. A couple of the flags have blown over on the touchline furthest from the tunnel, with a diligent member of the grounds staff righting them.
Could a tempestuous second half be in store?
HT: Argentina 13-10 South Africa
14:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bruising first half ends with Argentina ahead - and New Zealand therefore currently Rugby Championship winners as it stands. The Pumas’ intensity in defence, particularly in tight exchanges, has been outstanding and they’ve looked a real threat every time they’ve used ball in hand.
But you feel that defensive effort will have taken plenty out of them, and the scale of the Springboks’ scrum-time supremacy will enable them to keep earning penalties, territory and maybe more. Remember, a win is all South Africa need to retain their title.
HALF TIME: Argentina 13-10 South Africa
14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina 13-10 South Africa, 40 minutes
14:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne long Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu clearance and safe Argentina lineout take us down the tunnel.
TRY! Argentina 13-10 SOUTH AFRICA (Cobus Reinach, 39 minutes)
14:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleA demolition job! The scrum absolutely pulverises the Argentina eight, and while Japser Wiese can’t control the ball at the base, Cobus Reinach can.
The scrum half capitalises on the beef of the burly blokes and South Africa have reward for their set-piece dominance.
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 37 minutes
14:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleHeld up! Some effort, that, from Geronimo Prisciantelli, getting beneath the far larger frame of Ruan Nortje to keep the lock out.
Back for the penalty, and the Argentina front row are warned that their behaviour needs to change or there will be stiffer sanction. “Be better, guys,” referee Andrea Piardi instructs them - easy for him to say without the mighty Springboks pack bringing their full force into him.
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 36 minutes
14:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleScrum advantage earned, and off South Africa go in search of more. Argentina’s physicality on the fringes has been outstanding but are they vulnerable out wide?
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 35 minutes
14:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleOx Nche is absolutely devouring Francisco Coria Marchetti in this first half. The relatively inexperienced tighthead is penalised; South Africa pack down again.
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 33 minutes
14:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina are penalised at the maul’s formation, allowing South Africa an advantage with which to explore. Cobus Reinach crosskicks...and it just evades both Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie, scuttling out of play before either can retrieve it.
Back for the penalty, then. Scrum the call - not a surprise given South Africa’s set-piece supremacy.
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 31 minutes
14:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleMoodie almost immediately makes a half-break, though his offload hits the deck. Argentina can’t get bodies back to resource the resultant ruck; penalty to South Africa inside the Pumas’ 22.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu tries to take a quick tap, though is halted by the referee’s whistle. He sparks a scrap, but the pushing and shoving is calmed before it escalates.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu pokes the penalty to the corner.
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 30 minutes
14:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleA decision to make? Canan Moodie, already yellow carded once of course, flies out of the line and thrusts out a hand at a Juan Cruz Mallia pass. The on-field officials are happy that was a legitimate attempt to catch...and the television match official does not come in. Hmm - you’ve seen them given...
Argentina 13-3 South Africa, 28 minutes
14:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwickenham’s Allianz Stadium sits right beneath a Heathrow flight path, and South Africa’s latest high hoist very nearly troubles the jumbo jets. The wind just drops as it is struck, though, making the claim simple for the Argentina catcher safely in the embrace of his own 22.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 13-3 South Africa (Santiago Carreras, 27 minutes)
14:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarreras adds to his tally. Argentina’s fast and physical start gets a little bit better.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 26 minutes
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleBautista Delguy is having a stormer. The right wing steals in between two Springboks doing an “after you” routine, snaring the ball and then spinning away from Ethan Hooker like a ballroom dancer. He makes inroads all the way down to the South Africa 22, where they are then offside.
Santiago Carreras once again will aim for goal from right in front of the posts.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 24 minutes
14:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh so close! My, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu really is quite some threat, just a sliver of space found by the fly half’s sensational acceleration and fierce fend that follows. He tries to spring Cheslin Kolbe with a fizzed wide pass but overdoes the bubbles, effervescing it over the vertically-challenged wing’s head even as he leaps. Still, though, signs of just what a talent this young No 10 is.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 23 minutes
14:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleFeinberg-Mngomezulu attempts to use that wind to his advantage, yet overcooks his up-and-under, allowing Santiago Carreras to settle safely beneath it and call a mark.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 22 minutes
14:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina have been destroyed at every scrum so far, but manage to escape as Santiago Grondona makes sure to swiftly extract from No 8 with those ahead of him already forced into retreat. Geronimo Prisciantelli boots the ball upfield but can’t find touch in the swirling wind.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 20 minutes
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleBurglary - almost! So nearly for Cobus Reinach, shooting out of the back of the lineout to intercept the pass of opposite number Simon Benitez Cruz but not quite able to claim with the line already beneath him.
Argentina 10-3 South Africa, 19 minutes
14:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleA first glimpse at what the uber-talented Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can do with ball in hand, the fly half beating three defenders in a phone box to collect metres. Argentina, though, stop the massive Eben Etzebeth in his tracks, two tough tacklers with axe in hand as they fell the giant, and South Africa soon knock on in contact.
Argentina’s clearance isn’t ideal, and Cheslin Kolbe’s clever kick will force Julian Montoya to throw a pressure lineout.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 10-3 South Africa (Santiago Carreras, 18 minutes)
14:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleSimple as you like for the Argentina full-back.
Argentina 7-3 South Africa, 17 minutes
14:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA malfunction in connection between Simon Benitez Cruz and a sweeping Geronimo Prisciantelli sees Argentina lose momentum with advantage over, and they are therefore rather grateful when South Africa infringe at a ruck. Santiago Carreras will try to extend the advantage.
Argentina 7-3 South Africa, 16 minutes
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo the corner they go...South African hands get to the lineout but can’t snare it. Knock-on advnatge and Argentina possession.
Argentina 7-3 South Africa, 15 minutes
14:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina are flying! More delicious handling sets Bautista Delguy free again, though the pass to him looked a little suspect. It’s deemed flat by the officials, and South Africa are then offside five metres from their own line.
Argentina will consider their options while a couple of players receive treatment.
Argentina 7-3 South Africa, 13 minutes
14:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleUncharacteristic from South Africa. They spread too early and eagerly in the passage on the fringes of the Argentina 22, and are forced into touch, before Eben Etzebeth concedes a very soft penalty, offside as he tries to charge down Simon Benitez Cruz’s kick.
Moodie returns, to a cheer.
Argentina 7-3 South Africa, 12 minutes
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleCanan Moodie’s yellow card has NOT been upgraded - the Springboks centre will soon be back amongst things.
His midfield partner Damian de Allende fumbles the restart, but manages to scramble a clearance to get out of dodge. Springboks hands then get to Argentina breakdown ball, earning a penalty, which is belted down deep into Pumas territory.
PENALTY! Argentina 7-3 SOUTH AFRICA (Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 10 minutes)
14:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleStraight and true. South Africa are on the board.
Argentina 7-0 South Africa, 10 minutes
14:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA penalty for South Africa affords them freedom to play, though they can’t make the most of it. A high tackle was the offence - whast will Siya Kolisi do? Posts or corner? The former, it seems - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is given the tee.
Argentina 7-0 South Africa, 8 minutes
14:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleA South African body gets in the way of Santiago Carreras’s attempted clearance, Cheslin Kolbe jutting out a leg to block it. The Springboks look to have a good attacking position on the back of it but a lumbering forward knocks on.
Mighty! That’ll work for the world champions, shoving Argentina off their own ball.
Argentina 7-0 South Africa, 6 minutes
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is a really strong opening from Argentina, although Juan Cruz Mallia and Geronimo Prisciantelli get themselves in a tangle competing for the same high ball. No harm done - knocked on by South Africa and an Argentina scrum feed.
TRY! ARGENTINA 7-0 South Africa (Bautista Delguy, 5 minutes)
14:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a start from Argentina! Bautista Delguy pierces two would-be tacklers and finishes off a sweeping move!
Superb from the Pumas. Santiago Carreras’s pass puts his right wing in space and then it is all about the footwork, Delguy fixing Cobus Reinach and Ethan Hooker with a swivel of the hips to then burst between them.
Carreras adds the extras from the touchline, too.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes
14:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleCan Argentina capitalise? Not immediately. They kick to the corner and work through a few phases but cough up possession reasonably quickly. South Africa clear after a bright early carry from wing Ethan Hooker.
Back come the Pumas, though. Big flanker Marcos Kremer roams with intent, finding himself on the left edge and battering his way onwards.
YELLOW CARD! Canan Moodie is sent to the sin bin! Argentina 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes
14:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell well well. An early blow for South Africa, Canan Moodie upright in the tackle and making head-on-head contact, and thus bound for the sin bin.
That’ll be reviewed by foul play review officer Matteo Liperini - I think the Italian will deem the force insufficient to upgrade it to red but the Springboks will be down a man for the next 10 minutes at least.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes
14:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleOoh! Damian Willemse is a lucky, lucky boy! The Springboks full-back lets a Geronimo Prisciantelli grubber roll all the way into his own in-goal and very nearly has his pocket picked by a fast arriving Santiago Carreras. Did he safely shepherd it dead? Referee Andrea Piardi believes o.
Hang on, though - television match official Ian Tempest wants a look at a tackle on Mallia...
Argentina 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute
14:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina safely defuse the first box kick from Cobus Reinach and then immediately spread it, a wide pass landing in the hands of Juan Cruz Mallia, who makes metres down the left.
KICK OFF!
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe are up and running in the final game of the Rugby Championship!
Argentina vs South Africa
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s mightily blustery and a little bit chilly here at Twickenham, but dry for now. The Argentine anthem singer treats us to an extended version of their national ditty, which is rather pleasant indeed.
I reckon there are about 60-65,000 or so in - a good crowd, though the top tier is far from full.
Andrea Piardi slaps hands with new Pumas fly half Geronimo Prisciantelli, perhaps exchanging a couple of words in Italian.
Argentina vs South Africa match officials
13:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Can Argentina match South Africa's back five forwards?
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt really is a fearsome group of back five forwards that Argentina possess, with the presence of Juan Martin Gonzalez and Joaquin Oviedo on the bench evidence that Felipe Contepomi wants to match the Springboks for physicality in the final quarter. South Africa have gone away from their bulky bench strategy, favouring a traditional five forwards to three backs bench split more often than not this year as they embrace a more adventurous gameplan in some ways.
Of course, their bench is still stacked with World Cup winners, and a man of RG Snyman‘s stature almost counts twice - Argentina will have to bring an extra edge at the breakdown to slow South Africa and cannot afford to be inferior at the set-piece, you’d think, if they are to pull off victory.
Damian de Allende backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to shine again
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleMercurial fly half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has such a bag of tricks that not even his South Africa teammates know what he will do next and inside centre Damian de Allende believes it is vital they lay the platform for the 23-year-old to flourish.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu put in a sensational individual performance when he crossed for three tries and scored a Springboks record 37 points in the 67-30 Rugby Championship defeat of Argentina in Durban last weekend.
He has been selected again for South Africa today, where his game-breaking abilities could be key in the bid to retain the trophy.
"It's incredible (playing alongside Feinberg-Mngomezulu)," double World Cup winner De Allende said earlier this week. "I don't think Sacha knows what will happen next sometimes, which is a good thing.
"I do try and help him on the field, chat to him and tell him where the space is. But sometimes he sees a space before anyone else.
"And I think it's just important for, not just me, but all the guys around him to let him flourish and not take his time and space away. He can create a lot by himself."
A new Argentine No 10
13:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhile you’d imagine that Tomas Albornoz and Santiago Carreras remain ahead in the pecking order, this is a big opportunity for Geronimo Prisciantelli to stake a claim to the Argentina No 10 shirt. The playmaking utility back spent most of last season patrolling the backfield at No 15 for Zebre, but impressed with his classy touches around the park to force his way into the international fold. Also comfortable at inside centre, where he first made his name at the 2019 U20 World Championship, Prisciantelli could be a really valuable figure in time.
I’m really excited to see how he works with Juan Cruz Mallia and Carreras today with all three such capable ball-handlers. It could give real variety to the Argentina attack.
South Africa's away advantage?
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa are perceived to have an advantage in their decisive Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in London, but captain Siya Kolisi said that was only the case if the performance matched their title ambitions.
The game is a home fixture for Argentina, who have decided to play at Twickenham, which is expected to be a sea of green with Springboks supporters hoping their side claim back-to-back trophy wins in the Southern Hemisphere championship.
Now, rather than a daunting trip to Buenos Aires, Cordoba or Mendoza, the Springboks will complete their campaign in West London, which has been a happy hunting ground in recent years.
"It is only an advantage if we make use of it,” Kolisi told reporters on Friday. “I don’t know if it will be because it doesn’t matter how many Argentines (are in the crowd), you will hear them the whole game.”
Argentina have beaten New Zealand and Australia in this campaign, and Kolisi is expecting a backlash from what he said was an ever-improving side.
“It’s the fight they have compared to the years before, it is how consistent they have been in the way they play,” Kolisi said. “They have not taken away the Argentine flair and when it (the play) is broken, they take their opportunities.”
What do the Springboks need to win the Rugby Championship? Title permutations explained
13:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd here are the updated permutations for South Africa:
What do Springboks need to win the Rugby Championship? Title permutations explained
All Blacks seal victory over Australia
13:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand have just wrapped up victory over Australia in Perth, George Bower thumping over in the final minute to secure a bonus point and a 28-14 win. They go to the top of the table - but the equation for the Springboks has been simplified.
Team news - South Africa
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleOx Nche’s return from injury is the sole change to the starting Springboks side that pulled away so impressively in Durban. The loosehead had been a late withdrawal from that game but is fit to feature here, while hooker Bongi Mbonambi, scrum half Grant Williams and centre Jesse Kriel come on to the bench.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Jesse Kriel.
Your #Springboks team for tomorrow's Castle Lager Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in London 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/TzJA2MFte1
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 3, 2025
Felipe Contepomi details key to improved Argentina performance
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleFelipe Contepomi believes improved precision is vital if Argentina are to secure another significant win over South Africa at Twickenham today.
The focus will be on the precision with which we play," the Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi explained. "South Africa is a team that does what it does very well, they are very precise in the game plan they have.
"For us it is to try to win that strategic battle in order to be more competitive."
Ox Nche returns as Springboks bid to seal Rugby Championship title
12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleOx Nche had been a late scratch from last week’s clash but the Springboks scrummaging machine is fit to start today in a significant boost.
Ox Nche returns as Springboks bid to seal Rugby Championship title
Last time out
12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleBoth sides have dashed up from Durban after a thrill-a-minute, helter-skelter affair at Kings Park last week, 97 points shared unequally as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu steered a careering South Africa out of sight.
Record-breaking Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu leads Springboks to crazy Argentina win
Why Argentina and South Africa are playing Rugby Championship decider in London
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo why is this game at Allianz Stadium? Beyond the obvious motivating factor of money, it makes more sense for both teams than might first appear.
Why Argentina and South Africa are playing Rugby Championship decider in London
Argentina vs South Africa live
Friday 3 October 2025 16:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleA captivating edition of the Rugby Championship reaches a conclusion as Argentina and South Africa meet in the final fixture in - do not adjust your sets - Twickenham. Allianz Stadium is perhaps an unlikely location for this year’s title to be decided, but by about 4pm BST we will know whether the Springboks have retained their trophy.
Kick off is at 2pm.
Team news - Argentina
Friday 3 October 2025 16:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleFelipe Contepomi freshens up the back five of the Pumas’ pack, with Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo and Santiago Grondona brought in. Geronimo Prisciantelli is given his first Test start, uniting with Simon Benitez Cruz in a new-look half-back partnership as Santiago Carreras shifts to full back.
Argentina XV: 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Francisco Coria Marchetti; 4 Guido Petti, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Santiago Grondona; 9 Simon Benitez Cruz, 10 Geronimo Prisciantelli; 11 Juan Cruz Mallia, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Justo Piccardo, 14 Bautista Delguy; 15 Santiago Carreras.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Boris Wegner, 18 Tomas Rapetti, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 21 Joaquin Oviedo; 22 Agustin Moyano, 23 Rodrigo Isgro.
¡Nuestros 23 para cerrar el VISA Macro Rugby Championship! ¡Vamos! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/nMFxxvvFRw
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) October 2, 2025
