South Africa 48-7 Argentina: Rampant Springboks seal Rugby Championship crown

South Africa secured their first Rugby Championship title in five years with a dominant 48-7 victory over Argentina in Nelspruit.

The Springboks dominated from the off, with first-half tries from Aphelele Fassi (two), Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe handing Rassie Erasmus' side a comfortable advantage.

But an ill-disciplined Pumas display proved to be their downfall, with replacement Pablo Matera seeing his yellow card upgraded to a red on 20 minutes for making needless head contact during his challenge on Vincent Koch.

The fixture was then firmly ended as a contest after a competitive first period when full-back Santiago Carreras joined Matera in the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on, reducing the visitors to 13 players while allowing the Springboks to hammer home their advantage.

Malcolm Marx was the first to capitalise, with Du Toit quickly notching his second try of the encounter, before Jesse Kriel sealed a memorable triumph after latching onto the end of Handre Pollard's kick.

Tomas Albornoz scored the Pumas' only try in the contest, with the Springboks avenging last weekend's one-point defeat in Argentina, which briefly delayed their coronation.

What a win for the Boks as they bring home the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title on a bright night in Mpumalanga #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/rcYmcCVrfe

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 28, 2024

Data Debrief: Etzebeth makes history as Springboks seal title

South Africa sealed just a second Rugby Championship triumph in the competition's full format since 2009, while adding to last year's World Cup success.

There was also an historic 128th Springbok appearance for lock Eben Etzebeth, who surpassed Victor Matfield as his county’s most-capped player.