The Springboks delivered a thrilling second-half performance to demolish Argentina 67-30 in a high-scoring Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The defending world champions ran in nine tries, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starring with a hat-trick and Pieter-Steph du Toit crossing twice, as South Africa climbed to the top of the Rugby Championship standings with 15 points from five matches.
They now sit one point ahead of New Zealand, who earlier defeated Australia at Eden Park. The Boks’ bonus-point win keeps their title hopes alive and on top of the table, with just one more clash against Argentina left to secure the crown.
First-Half Battle: Argentina Strike Early
Argentina showed why they’ve beaten both the All Blacks and Wallabies in this year’s competition. Santiago Carreras and Feinberg-Mngomezulu exchanged early penalties before Eben Etzebeth thought he had scored, only for the try to be controversially ruled out by referee Angus Gardner.
The Boks finally broke through when Malcolm Marx powered over from a maul. But Argentina hit back through Santiago Chocobares, capitalising on a rare mistake by Cheslin Kolbe.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu restored South Africa’s lead with a brilliant solo effort, before Argentina struck again via a collapsed maul. On the stroke of halftime, Feinberg-Mngomezulu powered through after 14 phases to score his second try, giving the Boks a narrow 25-23 lead at the break.
Second-Half Domination: Boks Run Riot
The second half belonged to the Springboks. Kolbe redeemed himself with a well-taken try, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu completed his hat-trick with a dazzling solo run that left Argentina’s defence for dead.
Although Tomas Albornoz briefly reduced the deficit to 39-30, the Boks surged away with tries from Morne van den Berg, du Toit (two tries), and a spectacular piece of skill from Manie Libbok, who chipped and regathered to score.
In total, South Africa scored nine tries and secured the all-important bonus point to edge ahead in the title race.
What’s Next for the Boks?
The Springboks face Argentina again at Allianz Stadium in London next weekend. A bonus-point victory will guarantee South Africa retain the Rugby Championship trophy.
With Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s brilliance, du Toit’s power, and Libbok’s flair, the Boks look well-placed to finish the campaign as champions.
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