The Springboks’ unbeaten run in the Rugby Championship has ended after a narrow 28-29 loss to Argentina in their round five clash in Santiago del Estero this morning.
Argentina held on for their first win over South Africa since 2018 in Mendoza after eight consecutive losses to keep their slim title hopes alive.
The visitors got out to a fast start, racing out to a 17-0 lead inside the first 12 minutes after scoring two converted tries to Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel with Handre Pollard converting a penalty kick at goal.
Argentina came back strongly and scored 4 tries and three conversions to put them ahead 26-17 before South Africa scored another try at the stroke of halftime to trail 22-26.
The second half became a real arm wrestle as the Springboks converted two penalty kicks at goal to take the lead 28-26.
Argentina converted another penalty kick at goal to regain the lead and held on till the final whistle.
The tournament will now be decided in Nelspruit next weekend with the teams meeting again.
However, the Springboks have a five-point lead in the standings heading into that clash after securing a losing bonus point.
[Source: Rugbypass]
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