(AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa destroyed Argentina 48-7 in their decisive showdown to seal the 2024 Rugby Championship title in style.
The final match of the Championship was the reverse of last week’s fixture in South America, where Los Pumas pulled off an enthralling 29-28 win over the Springboks to take the tournament to the final day.
However, a week on the Springboks were utterly dominant as they ran in seven tries to blow away their overmatched opponents at Mbombela Stadium.
Lock Eben Etzebeth became the nation’s most-capped player and they celebrated with scores from Aphelele Fassi (2), Pieter-Steph du Toit (2), Cheslin Kolbe, Malcolm Marx and Jesse Kriel in front of a raucous home crowd.
Relive all the action from the Rugby Championship clash in our live blog below:
South Africa v Argentina LIVE
South Africa obliterate Argentina 48-7 in Rugby Championship decider to win the title
FULL-TIME! South Africa 48-7 Argentina
78’ – TRY! Kriel collects Pollard’s chip to round off the scoring (SA 48-7 ARG)
73’ – TRY! Du Toit powers over the line (SA 41-7 ARG)
69’ – TRY! Marx dots down at the back of a driving maul (SA 34-7 ARG)
38’ – TRY! Brilliant Kolbe footwork delivers fourth Boks try (SA 27-7 ARG)
33’ – TRY! Fassi dives over for his second try after neat work by Kolbe (SA 22-7 ARG)
19’ – TRY! Albornoz races away under the posts to finish neat Pumas move (SA 14-7 ARG)
14’ – TRY! Du Toit goes aerial to acrobatically dot down (SA 14-0 ARG)
8’ – TRY! Fassi barrels over after Springboks dominance (SA 7-0 ARG)
FULL-TIME! South Africa 48-7 Argentina – the Springboks win the Rugby Championship
18:01 , Luke Baker
A bit of a scrap in the in-goal area to end the game – a shame really. But it’s all over now! A sublime performance by South Africa, as they obliterate Argentina to seal the Rugby Championship title in style.
It’s been a positive tournament for the Pumas as they beat South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the same championship for he first time but this is the Springboks’s day. The celebrations will go long into the night.
(AP)
(AFP via Getty Images)
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 48-7 Argentina (Jesse Kriel)
17:56 , Luke Baker
78 mins
And it’s another try for the Boks. Penalty advantage coming, so Pollard chips through and Jesse Kriel grabs the bouncing ball before sprinting over the line. The centre has worked hard today and deserves that try.
Was under the posts, so simple conversion added and South Africa have 50 points in their sights
South Africa 41-7 Argentina
17:54 , Luke Baker
77 mins
Reinach spots a gap and darts through as Argentina are on the back foot again. Nice offload to Louw who makes further yards and the Boks are threatening again.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 41-7 Argentina (Pieter-Steph du Toit)
17:51 , Luke Baker
73 mins
No TMO check this time! Arendse weaves in and out of tacklers down the left. The ball is popped out of the breakdown, Pieter-Steph du Toit catches it and blasts his way through two defenders for the score. Power from the big man.
This is now officially a rout, as Pollard adds the tricky conversion.
NO TRY! South Africa 34-7 Argentina
17:48 , Luke Baker
72 mins
The Springboks playing champagne rugby now! They flood right, Am races down the flank after a stunning dummy, feed Kriel to make more metres. Ball recycled, Fassi launches a cross-kick over to the left wing and Kurt-Lee Arendse dives to dot down the loose ball.
TMO check for the grounding and it shows that Arendse dived over the top of the ball. No clear grounding before it squirts into touch, so the try is chalked off
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 34-7 Argentina (Malcolm Marx)
17:45 , Luke Baker
69 mins
Five-metre lineout for South Africa and there’s only one result from there. The inexorable driving maul heads towards the line, with Marx and Reinach directing traffic from the back.
And Malcolm Marx is the man who dots down – too strong from the Boks pack. A fifth try and they’re cruising to the title. Pollard adds the conversion for good measure
SIN-BIN! South Africa 27-7 Argentina (Santiago Carreras)
17:41 , Luke Baker
68 mins
South Africa win the scrum in their own 22 and now counter-attack, making 30 metres off first-phase ball. Big carries from Nortje and Louw then take them towards the 22.
Pollard tries a grubber through, it’s charged down but the Boks recover and then Lukhanyo Am tries to offload to Du Toit but it’s knocked down by an Argentine hand. TMO check for a deliberate knock-on…
And Santiago Carreras only goes with one hand, meaning it’s a deliberate knock-on, a penalty and a yellow card. Argentina now down to 13 men for the next while.
RED CARD! South Africa 27-7 Argentina (Pablo Matera)
17:37 , Luke Baker
63 mins
Argentina within five metres and then just inches from the line. But they lose the ball forward at the breakdown! Deary me, they have not been clinical today.
Also, news on Pablo Matera, who was sin-binned for that dangerous clearout on Koch. The bunker review has upgraded it to a red card, although it’s worth remembering that in the Rugby Championship, there are 20-minute red cards. So it’ll just be an additional 10 minutes on his sin bin effectively before another Pumas player can come back on and restore the team to 15 men. But Matera’s day is over, obviously
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:34 , Luke Baker
62 mins
Cinti pokes a kick through for a couple of the Puma speedsters to chase but the ball juuuust bounces out of play before Mateo Carreras can get there. Defensive lineout for the Boks, which they claim, and Cobus Reinach, on for Hendrikse, box kicks clear.
Better from the Pumas as Carreras weaves between defenders before Ruiz offloads for Oviedo to make decent ground and they’ll have a penalty, which is kicked to the corner.
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:30 , Luke Baker
60 mins
Lovely bit of business by Fassi, that. The Springboks full back brilliantly stops an Argentina penalty from reaching touch as he leaps from off the pitch into the field of play to catch the ball in the air and get his feet down inside the line. Great athleticism from the man who has already scored two tries.
Another stoppage as a player receives treatment but it does allow Siya Kolisi to get a standing ovation as he exits his 89th Test match, to be replaced by Elrigh Louw
SIN-BIN! South Africa 27-7 Argentina (Pablo Matera)
17:26 , Luke Baker
57 mins
It never rains but it pours. Pablo Matera is sent to the sin-bin after the TMO spots him dangerously clearing out Vincent Koch. Matera tucks his arm and makes contact with the head…
Clear yellow card and when the bunker reviews it, I expect that could be upgraded to a red…
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:24 , Luke Baker
57 mins
Pumas keep it tight – pick and go’s from the forwards as they set up five metres out. Gonzalez a couple fo decent carries but this Boks defence is so well disciplined. A couple of times, passes are floated to the backs but still no dice.
Eventually, a stunning counter ruck and the Springboks turn it over! Brutally efficient defensive set from South Africa and Malcolm Marx is the man who won the turnover
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:21 , Luke Baker
55 mins
Both sides starting to bring on replacements now and South Africa are definitely losing a bit of momentum now.
Argentina win a penalty in the Boks half and kick to the corner. Lineout, just over five metres out
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:19 , Luke Baker
53 mins
A rare chance in the opposition 22 for Argentina but the ball is knocked on, South Africa dominate the scrum and clear their lines to halfway.
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:16 , Luke Baker
50 mins
Jasper Wiese has entered beast mode at the start of this second half – the Boks No 8 just hauling defenders with him on every carry.
A bit of a phony war so far since half-time, with lots of stopping and starting. South Africa try to build something in the Argentina half.
MISSED PENALTY! South Africa 27-7 Argentina (Jaden Hendrikse)
17:12 , Luke Baker
46 mins
Not much has gone wrong for South Africa today but that’s a poor kick by Jaden Hendrikse from the tee. He shanks the penalty wide and the lead stays at 20.
South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:11 , Luke Baker
44 mins
Zombie by the Cranberries rings round Mbombela Stadium with the Boks fans, of course, replacing Zombie with Rassie, in acknowledgement of their coach. The atmosphere has been superb.
The Bomb Squad start to make an appearance as Gerhard Steenekamp comes on for Ox Nche in the front row
KICK-OFF! South Africa 27-7 Argentina
17:07 , Luke Baker
41 mins
Back underway as the Springboks look to play out their title win. Wiese immediately goes on a barrelling run, dragging defenders with him to make 20 metres.
The Boks then surge down the right and only desperate covering defence by the Pumas allows them to force South Africa into touch.
HALF-TIME! South Africa 27-7 Argentina
16:50 , Luke Baker
A scintillating half of rugby from the Springboks, who have destroyed Argentina here. The second half will simply be a procession to the title
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 27-7 Argentina (Cheslin Kolbe)
16:47 , Luke Baker
38 mins
Brilliant feet by Cheslin Kolbe – simply unstoppable! Long pass out to the right wing, where a gorgeous step inside from Kolbe has two defenders wafting at air trying to tackle him and he dives over the line. Simply sublime.
The conversion goes wide but no harm done. The Springboks have all but won the Rugby Championship title
South Africa 22-7 Argentina
16:43 , Luke Baker
36 mins
After his horror show last week with the late miss, Libbok is firing passes all over the pitch here and orchestrating the Boks attack beautifully.
OH WOW! Almost a Pumas disaster as Isgro is way, way too casual fielding a kick into the 22, watching it bounce around and not realising Arendse is haring down on him. The South African winger is millimetres away from pinching the ball and scoring a try but can’t gather cleanly.
Isgro gratefully clears but is then immediately substituted, with Juan Cruz Mallia on in his place. Pablo Matera is also on for Juan Martin Gonzalez, who is off for an HIA
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 22-7 Argentina (Aphelele Fassi)
16:40 , Luke Baker
33 mins
The Boks go wide to the right, De Allende offloads and Kolbe makes decent yards. Even when he’s tackled he wriggles free, pops a pass from the ground to the supporting Aphelele Fassi who goes over for his second try.
Just superb from Kolbe and Fassi is the benficiary. Hendrikse’s conversion strikes the post but the Springboks are rampant here. The Rugby Championship title is heading to South Africa.
South Africa 17-7 Argentina
16:38 , Luke Baker
31 mins
Great turnover by Albornoz in his own 22 but Kolbe quickly returns the kick clear back into the danger zone. A dart from Kolisi takes them closer but again, the Pumas win the turnover.
Then, De Allende pinches the ball back and the Springboks are in business again
SIN-BIN! South Africa 17-7 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras)
16:36 , Luke Baker
29 mins
The crowd are furious as Fassi jumps to claim a high ball but Mateo Carreras makes contact with him in the air and he lands hard. Reckless from Carreras and he will spend 10 minutes in the bin for his troubles.
Argentina down to 14 and this is a great chance for the Boks to take the game away from their opponents.
South Africa 17-7 Argentina
16:34 , Luke Baker
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AP)
(AP)
(AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa 17-7 Argentina
16:32 , Luke Baker
28 mins
The Springboks fling the ball wide to the right and the crowd get excited as Kolbe receives it in space and charges down the line. But Libbok’s long pass to him is called forward and momentum is halted.
South Africa 17-7 Argentina
16:30 , Luke Baker
26 mins
Worrying scenes as Santiago Chocobares takes a nasty head knock on the way down in a tackle. Medics on and thankfully he’s back on his feet, able to be helped off the field while standing.
That’ll be his game over though and ex-London Irish man Lucio Cinti on in the centres
South Africa 17-7 Argentina
16:28 , Luke Baker
24 mins
Not a great kick from Mateo Carreras and Kriel returns it with interest down the left touchline. Neat inside pass to Du Toit but as a defender covers, the back row sees the ball bounce off his hands for a knock-on.
Argentina finally win a scrum and clear their lines.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 17-7 Argentina (Jaden Hendrikse)
16:26 , Luke Baker
22 mins
Good response from the Springboks, although really it’s poor from the Pumas.
Grondona is penalised for advancing from an offside position almost immediately after the restart and it’s a simple three points, duly slotted by Jaden Hendrikse.
South Africa 14-7 ARGENTINA (Tomas Albornoz)
16:24 , Luke Baker
19 mins
And they do! Exactly what Argentina needed. A great line-break through the Sprinbok defence from Grondona after a offload from Oviedo and a perfectly-timed pass sets Tomas Albornoz away under the posts for a vital try.
Simple conversion and the Pumas are back in this match.
South Africa 14-0 Argentina
16:22 , Luke Baker
18 mins
A bouncing ball just goes the wrong way to stop Kolbe picking up and potentially racing in for a third try. Pumas breathe again and then work some possession in the Springbok half. They have to make something of this.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 14-0 Argentina (Pieter-Steph du Toit)
16:18 , Luke Baker
14 mins
Not stopped for long though! South Africa are patient from close range and Pieter-Steph du Toit goes aerial, over the pile, to acrobatically dot down for the try.
The TMO checks the grounding and it’s all good. Hendrikse adds the touchline conversion and South Africa are rolling here!
South Africa 7-0 Argentina
16:16 , Luke Baker
13 mins
A fifth scrum and a fifth penalty against the Pumas. The Springboks front row are obliterating their opposing trio and it’s remarkable that Argentina still have 15 men on the field?
South Africa come again and Kolisi makes a dart down the blindside. Stopped inches short of the line!
South Africa 7-0 Argentina
16:14 , Luke Baker
11 mins
Can Argentina respond to that early setback? Decent possession in the Boks half but Kolbe pinches an interception and is off to the races.
The defence covers though and hauls him down on the 22 before turning the ball over and booting clear. Breathless stuff so far in a cauldron of an atmosphere.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 7-0 Argentina (Aphelele Fassi)
16:12 , Luke Baker
8 mins
And at last, it’s there! The Springboks lead as Aphelele Fassi barrels over. The ball is flung right from the scrum, Fassi comes on to the ball at pace, runs a great line, squeezes between two defenders and powers over the line.
Simple conversion and the Boks lead 7-0 after dominating. Fassi is growing into that No 15 jersey with each passing game.
South Africa 0-0 Argentina
16:10 , Luke Baker
6 mins
Again, Argentina penalised at the scrum as Ox Nche dominates his opposite number and South Africa fling the ball to the backs.
All the way across to the right, then back to the left, De Allende darts inside a man and gets stopped five metres out. He knocks on trying an over-the-top pass but we’re back for another penalty.
Surely a penalty try if this scrum goes down?
South Africa 0-0 Argentina
16:08 , Luke Baker
5 mins
A reset scrum initially as the slick conditions see both front rows slipping and sliding. Second time it’s clean, the Springboks drive and look set to score but the Pumas pinged again, another penalty for the hosts.
How is that not a penalty try? Anyway another scrum
South Africa 0-0 Argentina
16:06 , Luke Baker
3 mins
Side entry from the Pumas at the breakdown, so another Boks penalty five metres out and they go for the scrum! Time for the fearsome pack to make a statement.
South Africa 0-0 Argentina
16:05 , Luke Baker
2 mins
Springboks immediately on the attack and into the Argentina 22. Big carries by Etzebeth and Wiese.
Boks go left – Fassi to Arendse and they’re five metres out. Penalty coming, so Libbok tries the cross-kick to Kolbe, who is in acres of space out on the right flank but the kick is too long for him.
Back for the penalty and the Springboks kick to the corner!
KICK OFF! South Africa 0-0 Argentina
16:03 , Luke Baker
And we’re off. This could be an epic!
South Africa vs Argentina
16:00 , Luke Baker
Rousing rendition of the anthems and we’re more or less ready to go here at Mbombela Stadium. As a reminder, Argentina need to win with a bonus point and deny the Springboks a bonus point to snatch the Rugby Championship title. Otherwise it’s going to South Africa.
South Africa vs Argentina
15:55 , Luke Baker
Not long until kick-off now. This should be a cracker
(AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa vs Argentina
15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It may lack the history and hype of an Ellis Park or Loftus Versfeld, but Mbombela Stadium is a lovely spot and looks to be jumping today as the Springboks bid to secure a title they haven’t won since 2019. South African sprinting great (and Paris 2024 medallist) Akani Simbine is in the house:
Rodrigo Isgro gets a start
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A senior player at Harlequins recently told me that there is plenty of excitement at the club about what Rodrigo Isgro might bring when he finally arrives in London. The flying wing, part of Argentina’s sevens squad at Paris 2024, signed for the Premiership side late in the summer having been a star on the short-form circuit over the last couple of seasons.
Lucio Cinti has added huge value at London Irish and Saracens having been picked up via a similar pathway, and Harlequins hope to benefit with a prowling Puma. Isgro was part of Michael Cheika’s squad at last year’s World Cup but could not really force his way up the pecking order in a competitive outside backs room – this is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on a big stage.
📈🔝
Of the 146 players to appear in 5+ legs in the 2023/24 #SVNS, Rodrigo Isgro ranked in the top 6 for offloads (4, 5th), dominant tackles (1.5, 6th), tries (3.2, 6th), carries (22, 3rd), line breaks (3.7, 3rd), metres made (209, 4th) per leg 🔥
📊 Via @OptaJonny #COYQ pic.twitter.com/yjFq0iFhyS
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) September 4, 2024
Cheslin Kolbe ready to step in if kicking issues continue for Manie Libbok
15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It feels a strong decision from Rassie Erasmus to back Manie Libbok, whose issues from the tee are beginning to overshadow his obvious gifts as a playmaker. With Handre Pollard on the bench, Erasmus has ensured that he has his nerveless closer to come on later on if required, but the multi-talented Cheslin Kolbe has also volunteered his services if Libbok gets the yips.
“I’m comfortable kicking for goals,” Kolbe told reporters. “I’ve been working on it throughout the season, and the kickers and (attack coach) Tony (Brown) have been giving me tips.
“We have played in a few finals, but one can never bank on what happened in the past. This is going to be a big game against a determined team.
“Argentina are a phenomenal side and have many players with an X-factor, while many of them come from a Sevens rugby background. Some of the guys who played last week gave me advice, so I know what to expect.”
(Getty Images)
South Africa vs Argentina match officials
15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back to Mbombela, and here’s a look at the key officiating team today, which has a Kiwi theme:
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Craig Evans (Wal)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZ)
All Blacks sign off Rugby Championship in style with win over Wallabies
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just one more game, then, in this year’s Rugby Championship after the All Blacks signed off their campaign in style with a win over the Wallabies in Wellington earlier.
All Blacks sign off Rugby Championship in style with win over Wallabies
Team news – Argentina
15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina have rung the changes for the encounter in Mbombela, with eight alterations to Felipe Contepomi’s starting side. Marcos Kremer is ruled out with a knee ligament injury and Pablo Matera is dropped to the bench in a back-row reshuffle. Santiago Carreras starts at full-back, Matias Moroni in the centres and new Harlequins signing Rodrigo Isgro is on the wing after his Olympic exertions in sevens.
Argentina XV: 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Joel Sclavi; 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 5 Tomas Lavanini; 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7 Santiago Grondona, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Matias Moroni, 14 Rodrigo Isgro; 15 Santiago Carreras.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Ignacio Calles, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Pablo Matera; 21 Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22 Lucio Cinti, 23 Juan Cruz Mallia.
¡Nuestros 23 para el último partido del Visa Macro Rugby Championship! 🏉
🔜 Fecha 6 TRC
🆚 Springboks 🇿🇦
📆 Sábado 28 de septiembre
⏰ 12:05 horas (mediodía de 🇦🇷)
🏟️ Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit)
📺 ESPN#SomosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/OqaXw4XlVw
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) September 26, 2024
Team news – South Africa
15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Eben Etzebeth becomes the most-capped Springbok of all-time as he surpasses Victor Matfield’s tally of 127 caps in the second row. Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe are also back in the starting side after being rested last weekend, while Manie Libbok is backed at fly half despite a costly miss late on in Santiago del Estero.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 10 Manie Libbok; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Elrigh Louw, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
South Africa vs Argentina
14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
With kick off in Mbombela little more than an hour away, let’s take a closer look at the two sides bracing for battle for the final time in this year’s Rugby Championship…
The remarkable rise of Argentina, rugby’s great outlier on the brink of history
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Their chances of a first Rugby Championship crown are remote, but it is remarkable that a nation like Argentina are in contention at all given the many disadvantages they must endure. Here’s a look at the story of the Pumas, and why continued support is so vital:
The remarkable story of Argentina, rugby’s great outlier
Argentina’s transformed discipline key to improvement
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina had a well-deserved reputation for indiscipline on the rugby field that often cost them dearly in Test encounters, but this year they have turned that on its head in the Rugby Championship.
In the past, the Pumas could often be relied upon to concede needless penalties through reckless play and hand opponents the chance to score easy points.
Yet this year they are the only team yet to receive a red or yellow card in the annual southern hemisphere championship and have conceded the fewest penalties (50) of any team in the competition.
Coach Felipe Contepomi said the turnaround was not because of any concerted effort to clean up their play but as a result of polishing their approach to matches.
”We don’t speak directly about discipline, but we want to be the best team we can play and maybe it’s the end result of trying to insist on doing the right things,” he told a press conference on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s meeting against South Africa in Nelspruit to decide the Rugby Championship.
”We don’t take any shortcuts in training, and we keep hammering on our method and the way we want to play, working hard, especially in defence.
“And, you know, we just don’t cheat. I know it’s part of our values, it’s part of our behaviour, and we pride ourselves on that and the result is maybe giving away less penalties and not picking up cards.
“But the real thing is not focusing on avoiding cards but rather doing the right thing and working hard.”
Argentina have not had a player sent from the field, either to the sin-bin or red carded, in their last 12 Tests.
Argentina are no longer falling foul of the officals (Getty Images)
Argentina search for consistency after significant win
14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Last weekend’s win in Santiago del Estero meant that Argentina have beaten all of their Rugby Championship foes in a single edition of the tournament for the first time. It is a significant achievement, but flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez was clear that it will count for little if the Pumas fail to back-up that showing with a strong outing in Mbombela, regardless of the result.
“We had a good game, but we want to be consistent in our performances,” Gonzalez told reporters. “Of course we want to win every single game, but what we are looking to do is play good rugby. Sometimes we are doing that, other times not.
“If we win, we win, if we lose, so be it. But we have been training very well. We are thinking about just this moment and not what might happen after the game with the Rugby Championship.”
Eben Etzebeth shuns the spotlight in milestone week
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Imposing South Africa forward Eben Etzebeth has avoided the spotlight this week despite being set to become his country’s most capped international, as he plays a 128th Test in the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina.
The 32-year-old Etzebeth was named earlier this week in the line-up for the clash at the Mbombela Stadium but there has been an almost deliberate effort to downplay the achievement.
He has not appeared at any of the press conferences this week and when the team was announced on Tuesday, the accompanying press release briefly detailed Etzebeth’s achievement but took a further 17 paragraphs before quoting coach Rassie Erasmus about the record breaker.
“As a former Springbok I can attest to what a massive achievement it will be for Eben to become the most capped Springbok ever, and we are all very proud of him and want to make this a special and memorable occasion for him,” said Erasmus.
“He has not wanted any focus on him to detract from the team,” a team official told Reuters on Friday.
But it has not prevented tributes to the double World Cup winner whose intimidating man-mountain like presence in the scrum has been symbolic of the force and power of the Bok pack.
“If you talk to Eben about the Springbok environment, it’s a place he loves being in. He has given so much to this environment and this sport,” hooker Bongi Mbonambi said about his teammate this week.
“A lot of people who don’t know Eben think he is this serious guy. But he is actually one of the jokers in the team. He loosens the mood up when there’s too much tension. Also, when it is time to get serious, he’s the guy who knuckles down.”
(Getty Images)
Eben Etzebeth to break Springboks cap record as Manie Libbok backed at fly half after costly miss
13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Eben Etzebeth is set to become the most-capped South Africa player of all-time after being named in the Springboks starting side to face Argentina in Mbombela.
The lock will win his 128th cap in the final round of the Rugby Championship, surpassing the tally of Victor Matfield in a full-strength side.
Eben Etzebeth to break Springboks cap record as Manie Libbok backed after costly miss
Rugby Championship permutations: What do South Africa and Argentina need in final round to win title?
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa and Argentina are both still in the hunt for a rare Rugby Championship title as the two sides prepare to meet again in Mbombela.
The Pumas’ outstanding win over the Springboks in Santiago del Estero kept their hopes of triumph alive as Felipe Contepomi’s side continued a fine campaign that has seen them beat all three of their tournament foes.
To lift a trophy that have not won before, though, will require Argentina to pull off a shock final-round victory over their title rivals.
Rugby Championship permutations: What South Africa and Argentina need in final round?
South Africa v Argentina
Friday 27 September 2024 17:02 , Lawrence Ostlere
Follow all the action as South Africa take on Argentina with the Rugby Championship on the line.
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=66f92592c20e4e93b53d69f43ae9ebcb&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fsouth-africa-v-argentina-live-123000541.html&c=3508947966360643284&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2024-09-28 04:30:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.