Rugby Championship Decider: Springboks vs. Argentina Preview

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as South Africa prepares to face Argentina at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit for the decisive match of the 2024 Rugby Championship. With the Springboks sitting comfortably atop the table, needing only a single log point to clinch their first championship title since 2019, they aim to make history by becoming the first team other than New Zealand to win a full edition of the Rugby Championship since 2012.

A Historic Year for Argentina

On the other hand, Los Pumas come into this clash with a remarkable achievement under their belt, having defeated the All Blacks, Wallabies, and the Springboks in the same calendar year for the first time ever. Despite their historic victories, they face a daunting task; to emerge as champions, Argentina must defeat South Africa by more than seven points and secure a try bonus point.

Key Battle in the Forward Pack

Much of the excitement will revolve around the forward packs of both teams, often referred to as the “Big Five.” The Lowveld region is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Kruger National Park, home to the iconic Big Five wildlife. In this match, the focus will shift from wildlife to rugby as the big men in the pack take center stage.

Argentina’s recent success stems from their ability to disrupt the Springboks’ lineout and hold their own at scrum time. This has historically been a challenge for South Africa, which has relied heavily on its forwards to dominate opposition teams. The Springboks’ head coach, Rassie Erasmus, is optimistic that resting key players like Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe in the lead-up to this match will pay dividends.

Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks’ lock, will be critical in this encounter as he resumes his fierce rivalry with Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini. Both players have consistently been at the heart of their teams’ forward efforts, and this match is expected to be no different. The tight-five battle will be crucial, impacting the set-piece, gain-line, and breakdown throughout the match.

Insights from Coaches

Despite South Africa’s advantageous position, Erasmus remains cautious about underestimating the Pumas. He emphasized that the unpredictability of rugby means that any team can rise to the occasion. Argentina’s head coach, Felipe Contepomi, echoed this sentiment, expecting a high-intensity performance from the Springboks, especially in front of a home crowd eager for victory.

Contepomi noted that while his team has achieved significant milestones this year, they are focused on continuous improvement and aim to exceed their own expectations in every match.

Players to Watch

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the Springboks’ Manie Libbok and Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz, both pivotal in their teams’ attacking strategies. Libbok, who has faced criticism for his kicking game, will seek redemption after a lackluster performance last week. Erasmus has expressed confidence in Libbok’s abilities, aiming to alleviate some of the pressure he faces.

On the flip side, Albornoz has been in sensational form, effectively leading Argentina’s attacking game. His dual-threat capabilities make him a key player for Los Pumas as they aim to build on their recent successes.

Another player to watch is Springboks’ Damian de Allende, who returns to the midfield after a brief absence. His ability to dominate the gain-line and shift momentum will be crucial for South Africa, particularly against a strong Argentine defense led by the formidable Santiago Chocobares.

Argentina has made several changes in anticipation of the challenge, including the introduction of Rodrigo Isgro, who will be making his first appearance of the year. Meanwhile, Mateo Carreras has been in phenomenal form on the wing, providing a significant attacking threat.

Historical Context and Recent Results

The rivalry between South Africa and Argentina has been fiercely contested, with recent matches showcasing a back-and-forth dynamic. Argentina’s narrow victory in Santiago last week (29-28) adds to the pressure on the Springboks to perform at their best. Historically, the Springboks have won the majority of encounters, but Argentina’s recent triumphs have shifted the narrative and created a sense of excitement around the match.

Match Preview and Predictions

While the Springboks enter the match as favorites, the unpredictability of rugby makes it difficult to forecast an outcome. Argentina’s recent form against top teams raises questions about South Africa’s ability to maintain composure under pressure. Additionally, with discipline being crucial, any slip-ups could have significant ramifications for the Springboks’ championship aspirations.

Both teams will likely focus on dominating the gain-line and the set pieces, and how well they can execute their game plans under pressure will determine the outcome. Given the stakes, a highly competitive and intense match is expected.

Conclusion

As the Springboks and Los Pumas prepare for this critical encounter, fans can expect a match filled with high stakes, fierce competition, and potentially historic outcomes. With South Africa looking to reclaim its status as champions and Argentina aiming for a historic upset, the clash at Mbombela Stadium promises to be a memorable conclusion to the Rugby Championship.

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, 28 September
• Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
• Kick-off Time: 17:00 local time (GMT+2)

Teams

South Africa:

• 15 Aphelele Fassi
• 14 Cheslin Kolbe
• 13 Jesse Kriel
• 12 Damian de Allende
• 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
• 10 Manie Libbok
• 9 Jaden Hendrikse
• 8 Jasper Wiese
• 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
• 6 Siya Kolisi (c)
• 5 Ruan Nortje
• 4 Eben Etzebeth
• 3 Frans Malherbe
• 2 Bongi Mbonambi
• 1 Ox Nche

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

Argentina:

• 15 Santiago Carreras
• 14 Rodrigo Isgro
• 13 Matais Moroni
• 12 Santiago Chocobares
• 11 Mateo Carreras
• 10 Tomas Albornoz
• 9 Gonzalo Garcia
• 8 Joaquin Oviedo
• 7 Santiago Grondona
• 6 Juan Martín Gonzalez
• 5 Tomás Lavanini
• 4 Pedro Rubiolo
• 3 Joel Sclavi
• 2 Julian Montoya
• 1 Thomas Gallo

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

With everything on the line, fans can look forward to an exhilarating encounter as the Springboks and Los Pumas battle it out for supremacy in the 2024 Rugby Championship.