South Africa 48-7 Argentina: Springboks win first Rugby Championship since 2019

It was a historic 128th Springbok game for lock Eben Etzebeth, who surpassed Victor Matfield as his county’s most-capped player.

In a unique pre-game presentation, the 32-year-old’s name and cap number was set on fire, and while it slowly burnt out, Etzebeth was in tears as his team-mates sang the national anthem.

“I want to say to my best friend Eben that I am so grateful to be on this journey with you,” said Kolisi after the match.

“We have been together since we were 18 and you’ve been a true friend and you have led us in so many ways, with the way you play the game.

“I am so proud of you and pleased to be your friend. I can’t wait to tell my grandkids I played with Eben Etzebeth. Cheers, my friend, I love you!”

The positive from South Africa’s only championship defeat last week was it provided an opportunity to win a first championship in five years in front of home support.

It was a special atmosphere at Mbombela Stadium and the world champions wasted no time in lifting the noise as Fassi crashed over close to the posts for an early try.

A second quickly followed when flanker Du Toit leapt over the ruck to expertly ground the ball after a slight juggle.

There was a sense of inevitability but the Pumas, who successfully came from 17 points down last weekend, sent another reminder to not rule them out because of a slow start when Santiago Grondona broke clear and sent Albornoz in for their opening score.

However, with Mateo Carreras in the sin-bin for taking out Fassi in the air, South Africa exploited the space vacated and Kolbe popped the ball off the deck to Fassi, who grabbed his second try.

The full-back quickly returned the favour, and although Kolbe had plenty of work to do to finish, his dancing feet and power could not be stopped close to the tryline.

The Boks’ ruthlessness returned following poor discipline from the Pumas in the final quarter, with the pick of final three tries coming from Kriel, who latched onto Pollard’s delightful kick to punish Argentina for going down to 13 men.

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