Yahoo Sports Argentina vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Rugby Championship result as Springboks see off stubborn Argentina
South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx scored a try in the final minute of the game to secure a 36-20 bonus-point victory over Argentina at Estadio Libertadores de America in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The result sees the Springboks join New Zealand on 14 points on the competition table and keeps them in hunt for the Rugby Championship title with one round of fixtures left to play. They host Argentina in Durban next weekend with the All Blacks facing Australia at home.
A penalty try and tries for scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, two for Marx and one for centre Damian de Allende saw the Springboks dominate the contest in Buenos Aires as they outclassed their opponents to lead 22-6 at the break.
However, after a tactical start to the second half the Pumas fought back with a penalty try of their own before Matias Moroni crosses the line to bring them within two points 22-20 away again. Their resistance ended as they ran out of gas in with 10 minutes to go and the Springboks pulled ahead to ease to a comfortable win.
Relive the action from Argentina vs South Africa, below:
Argentina vs South Africa
Full-time: South Africa defeat Argentina 36-20 in Buenos Aires
TRY! - Marx scores his second try and completes the win for South Africa (ARG 20-36 SA)
TRY! - De Allende extends Springboks’ lead (ARG 20-29 SA)
TRY! - Moroni brings Argentina back within two points (ARG 20-22 SA)
PENTALTY TRY! - Cubelli is fouled by Smith just before the line (ARG 13-22 SA)
TRY! Marx uses the driving maul for cover and gets in for a try, Willemse misses the conversion (ARG 6-22 SA)
TRY! - Hendrikse dummies before cutting inside and walking over the line right between the sticks (ARG 6-17)
PENALTY! - Boffelli collects three with another kick (ARG 6-10)
PENALTY TRY! - Carreras tackles Hendrikse from an offside position and the Springboks are awarded a try (ARG 3-10)
PENALTY! - Springboks respond with penalty kick of their own (ARG3-3 SA)
PENALTY! - Argentina take the lead through Boffelli’s kick (ARG 3-0 SA)
FT Argentina 20-36 South Africa
22:28 , Michael Jones
South Africa’s victory over Argentina closes out the fifth round of the Rugby Championship with New Zealand, Australia and the Springboks themselves still in the hunt for the title.
We’ll have plenty of reaction to South Africa’s win coming up across The Independent in the coming days but for now, farewell, and thanks for joining us!
FT Argentina 20-36 South Africa
22:22 , Michael Jones
It’s unfortunate for Argentina who mounted a fine comeback in the second half and got themselves within two points before running out of gas.
Two tries inside the last 10 minutes got the Springboks comfortably over the line and they’ll have thoughts of winning the whole thing next time out.
FT Argentina 20-36 South Africa
22:17 , Michael Jones
Full-time: Argentina 20-36 South Africa
22:12 , Michael Jones
80 mins: There’s no time left to restart the match and the buzzer goes to end the game. South Africa take the points and move up to second in the Rugby Championship table just behind New Zealand.
The title is going to come down to the final gameweek.
TRY! Argentina 20-36 South Africa (Malcolm Marx, 80 mins)
22:09 , Michael Jones
80 mins: That’ll be enough for South Africa to win the game. Beautiful, intricate play on the left sends the ball out wide to Makazole Mapimpi.
He draws in the final defender and passes it inside to Malcolm Marx who bombs to the line and grounds the ball, Frans Steyn completes the conversion.
Argentina 20-29 South Africa
22:06 , Michael Jones
77 mins: South Africa need another two tries to secure another bonus point but that seems unlikely. Argentina are driving down the right wing and win a penalty after a poor tackle from Frans Steyn.
They kick the ball back down the pitch and get into South Africa’s half. They need to score here if they want to win the game.
TRY! Argentina 20-29 South Africa (De Allende, 74 mins)
22:03 , Michael Jones
74 mins: Malcolm Marx drives towards the line after South Africa recover the ball from a decent line-out play. Argentina continue to tackle from offside positions gifting the Springbok’s penalty advantage.
De Klerk lays the ball off to De Allende who bursts through two defenders and grounds the ball!
South Africa have a bit of breathing room now.
Argentina 20-22 South Africa
21:59 , Michael Jones
71 mins: A tactical and well-fought second half has fully turned Argentina’s way and they’re pushing for another try. 10 minutes to play and the Springboks lead but two.
Faf de Klerk boots the ball down the pitch and South Africa win a penalty which they kick over to the Pumas’ 22 metre line.
TRY! Argentina 20-22 South Africa (Moroni, 69 mins)
21:57 , Michael Jones
69 mins: There’s a game on now! A short pass Kremer gives the ball to Moroni who nips through a gap in the Springbok’s line and sprints towards the line.
He throws himself over and grounds the ball before Boffelli converts.
PENALTY TRY Argentina 13-22 South Africa (Tomas Cubelli, 66 mins)
21:53 , Michael Jones
67 mins: The officials come to their decision and say that if Smith didn’t twist Cubelli over his body the Argentinian would have been able to reach out and ground the ball for a try.
They award the Pumas a penalty try and Smith is sent to the sin bin.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:50 , Michael Jones
66 mins: Tomas Cubelli feeds an Argentina scrum and looks to sneak in around the outside. Kwagga Smith takes him down and keeps hold of Cubelli twisting him over to stop him grounding the ball.
This is an interesting call for the referees.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:44 , Michael Jones
64 mins: South Africa’s Trevor Nyakane makes a tackle off the ball and gifts the Pumas a scrum five metres from the try line. Argentina fling it wide quickly buy Jesse Kriel makes a great tackle to deny the overload on the right wing!
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:41 , Michael Jones
61 mins: Opportunity for Argentina who win the scrum and make ground thanks to Lavanini’s driving run.
Wille Le Roux strays offside and gives away a penalty, he’s already had a warning and so gets sent to the sin bin. Can Argentina dominate with the extra man?
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:35 , Michael Jones
58 mins: South Africa’s defence is so impressive. Argentina look to drive a maul into the corner but they’re forced around and have to break it up.
The home side are awarded a scrum after the ball hits the referee. They’re well inside the 22, this is their best chance of getting over the line.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:30 , Michael Jones
55 mins: Both sides are making too many unforced errors now but Argentina are the team gaining the better field position. They’re operating mainly in South Africa’s half but haven’t penetrated the 22 for a while.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:28 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Julian Montoya wins the turnover for the Pumas and this is a chance for Argentina. The rcover the ball from the line-out and fling it down the line.
A pinning tackle stops the home side from forming the ruck and the Springboks turn the ball over once again.
It’s been a tactical start to the second half.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:25 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Eben Etzebeth attempts a short pass on the inside bu Lood de Jager can’t cling onto the ball and it rebounds back into Etzebeth’s hands but he’s stood in an offside position.
Argentina boot it back into South Africa’s half and recover the ball but it’s quickly turned over.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:21 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Wow! An interception from Gonzalez sees the Pumas push forward on the left before working it across the pitch.
South Africa then win an interception of their own but confusion or panic sets in on Damian de Allende who tries to offload before getting hit with a tackle and ends up giving the ball straight back.
More composure and South Africa were in on the break.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:18 , Michael Jones
43 mins: The Pumas turn over the ball and gain field position from a kick that Boffelli chases down and plucks out of the air. They try to work it down the line quickly but a pass out to Lavanini is short and he fumbles it before knocking on.
Second half: Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:16 , Michael Jones
The Springboks resume the match and immediately win a line-out in opposition territory. Marx sends it into Mostert and South Africa attempt to drive the maul forwards but Argentina’s defence is strong and hardly budges.
HT Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:12 , Michael Jones
Argentina’s discipline has been their undoing so far. They’ve given away way too many penalties and South Africa’s precise and penetrating attacks have seen them notch up three tries.
Will the Pumas improve in the second half?
21:06 , Michael Jones
Half-time: Argentina 6-22 South Africa
21:01 , Michael Jones
43 mins: South Africa almost get lucky from a line-out but Franco Mostert knocks on at the back of the line before flicking the ball back to Lood de Jager on his second attempt at catching it.
De Jager bruises his way over the line and thinks he’s scored but the video referee is called into action and NO TRY is the result.
Mostert knocks it forward from the line-out first.
South Africa lead comfortably at half-time.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
20:57 , Michael Jones
40 mins: Argentina are punished from not rolling away from the maul with South Africa earning a penalty right as the buzzer goes for half-time.
They elect to play a scrum and Hendrikse feeds it. Jasper Wiese collects the ball but runs into trouble. South Africa play advantage but are forced back by the Pumas but Gonzlao Bertanou is shown a yellow card for an offside tackle.
South Africa are going to keep this attack going.
Argentina 6-22 South Africa
20:51 , Michael Jones
36 mins: That try from Marx also gives South Africa a bonus point which is what they’re after. They need a bonus points win to catch up with New Zealand who currently lead the Rugby Championship table.
TRY! Argentina 6-22 South Africa (Malcolm Marx, 33 mins)
20:49 , Michael Jones
33 mins: Malcolm Marx picks out Lood de Jager from the line-out and the Springboks drive the resultant maul towards the line. Marx is in control at the back and as his team-mates fall away he lunges forward for another try!
Willemse misses the kick from out wide on the left side of the pitch.
TRY! Argentina 6-17 South Africa (Jaden Hendrikse, 28 mins)
20:45 , Michael Jones
28mins: Jaden Hendrikse sells the dummy and flies between the sticks for his second try of the night and the simple kick is converted by Damian Willemse.
Argentina 6-10 South Africa
20:41 , Michael Jones
27 mins: South Africa are knocking on the door and pushing Argentina’s defence to the limit. They’re awarded a couple of penalty advantages and look to run it over.
The Pumas are down to 14 men after Carreras was yellow carded for his offside tackle.
PENALTY! Argentina 6-10 South Africa (Emiliano Boffelli, 24 mins)
20:39 , Michael Jones
24 mins: Another eager South African move to latch onto the ball from the maul gifts Argentina a penalty within kick range and Boffelli makes no mistakes this time and punts it between the uprights.
The Pumas are back in the game.
PENALTY TRY! Argentina 3-10 South Africa (Jaden Hendrikse, 21 mins)
20:36 , Michael Jones
21 mins: Santiago Carreras makes a tackle from an offside position as Jaden Hendrikse gets over the line for the Springboks. The try is checked by the video referee and everything is confirmed.
South Africa take the lead!
Argentina 3-3 South Africa
20:32 , Michael Jones
19 mins: This is a tricky kick for Emiliano Boffelli who goes for a penalty kick just outside South Africa’s 10 metre line. He pulls it wide of the uprights and gifts the ball back to the Springboks.
South Africa fly up the pitch and execute a decent line-out to form a driving maul.
Argentina 3-3 South Africa
20:29 , Michael Jones
17 mins: Julian Montoya directs the driving maul for the Pumas and earns a penalty advantage. They send a kick across the pitch and where Lucio Cinti is in bags of space.
He should do better as he looks the bring the ball into the bread basket but it hits him in the chest and bounces into touch.
Argentina 3-3 South Africa
20:27 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Missed! South Africa are awarded another penalty but this one is further out for Damian Willemse. It’s pretty straight though and he’d expect to kick this one over but pushes it wide of the uprights.
PENALTY! Argentina 3-3 South Africa (Damian Willemse penalty, 12 mins)
20:24 , Michael Jones
12 mins: South Africa win a penalty as Tomas Lavanini is caught offside. They have the chance to immediately get back in the game and Damian Willemse knocks the ball over from right in front of the sticks.
PENALTY! Argentina 3-0 South Africa (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 9 mins)
20:21 , Michael Jones
Argentina take the lead through a penalty kick that Emiliano Boffelli smokes just inside of the right-hand upright. This is a strong start from the Pumas.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa
20:20 , Michael Jones
7 mins: The Springboks are giving away penalties for minor errors. Franco Mostert is too keen to get to ball from the maul and obstructs the man playing it out.
This is within kicking distance...
Argentina 0-0 South Africa
20:18 , Michael Jones
5 mins: A penalty to Argentina is kicked the South Africa’s 22 and the Pumas hurry the ball across the line looking for a weakness in the Springboks defence.
Nothing gives and South Africa earn a line-out as kick over to the touchline goes out of play.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa
20:16 , Michael Jones
3 mins: It’s an early kicking game as both teams look for better field position. The Springboks push down the right and almost recover the ball only for Canan Moodie to knock on.
Scrum to Argentina.
Argentina 0-0 South Africa
20:13 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Here we go then, Santiago Carreras kicks off the game for the home side and Damian Willemse receives the ball before sprinting forward.
The Pumas chase the ball down quickly and turn the ball over in the first maul.
Argentina vs South Africa
20:10 , Michael Jones
The national anthems are sung and the players all looked determined. South Africa are expected to win this one but what can Argentina bring to the table?
They’ve already beaten Australia and New Zealand this year.
Argentina vs South Africa
20:04 , Michael Jones
Argentina have hosted South Africa on home soil 15 times, winning just two of those fixtures, drawing one and losing 12.
In total the two sides have met 32 times, with Argentina registering three wins, one draw and 28 losses.
The stats don’t favour the Pumas but can they cause an upset and keep their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive?
Argentina vs South Africa
20:04 , Michael Jones
Tonight’s venue is the Estadio Libertadores de America in Argentina. This is expected to be a close contest with both teams eyeing up victory to keep them in reach of claiming the Rugby Championship.
The teams jog out onto the pitch, kick off is up next...
Late Jordie Barrett try sees All Blacks controversially beat Australia in Rugby Championship thriller
19:59 , Michael Jones
Earlier this week, Jordie Barrett grabbed a try after the siren as New Zealand edged Australia 39-37 in a Melbourne classic to win the Bledisloe Cup for a 20th year in succession and move a step closer to back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns.
In a controversial finish at Marvel Stadium, French referee Mathieu Raynal took the ball from fly-half Bernard Foley for time-wasting, even though the clock was off as he was poised to kick a penalty clear from defence with Australia holding a three-point lead.
Gifted possession, the All Blacks spread the ball wide to Barrett, who crossed in the left corner as a crowd of 53,245 gasped.
All Blacks controversially beat Australia in Rugby Championship thriller
How to watch the game
19:53 , Michael Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Rugby Championship game live on Sky Sports Arena, with coverage from 8pm BST.
Subscribers can also stream the game via the Sky Go app.
Kolisi on facing Argentina
19:47 , Michael Jones
When asked earlier this week to assess Argentina’s strengths, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi explained how he expects the host to come at his team tonight.
“We are expecting a tough battle against the hosts, and we know have to bring as much intensity as possible from the outset because they start games strongly,” he said.
“We had a good week-and-a-half of training and a few days off as well last week, so we are looking forward to the clash... it will be important to stick to our game plan.
“Their loose forwards are all good off the ball, so we need to look after the ball at the breakdowns and make sure we make use of the opportunities we create in the match.”
Can Argentina win the Rugby Championship?
19:41 , Michael Jones
With two wins and two defeats, Argentina remain in with a chance of winning the Rugby Championship for the very first time.
If they managed to get past South Africa tonight - with a bonus points win - they’ll draw level with New Zealand on 14 points to set up a nail-biting conclusion to the competition on the final gameweek.
Argentina vs South Africa: Bonus points key
19:35 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa will be looking not only for victory against Argentina in their penultimate Rugby Championship clash in Buenos Aires on Saturday but also the opportunity to pick up vital bonus points, said scrum half Faf de Klerk.
This year’s southern hemisphere championship is a tightly contested affair with all four countries having won two and lost two of their opening four games.
New Zealand, however, lead the standings with 10 points, one more than South Africa, Australia and Argentina after picking up an added bonus point for scoring three or more tries than their opponents.
This weekend, the All Blacks take on Australia in Melbourne while South Africa go in search of success in Argentina, where they have won 12 times in 15 previous tests.
“Everyone who knows rugby and looks at the log table knows the situation and that we need to get the maximum of five points in both of our next two games,” said De Klerk at a virtual news conference on Wednesday.
“Bonus points are going be everything in those last two games. This is where we are at and we know what we need to do. We are determined to do it.”
Siya Kolisi previews Julian Montoya vs Jasper Wiese battle
19:28 , Jack Rathborn
One of the much-anticipated contests will be Argentina captain Julian Montoya against his Leicester Tigers team mate Jasper Wiese, who has been largely superb at number eight for the Springboks this year with his powerful carries.
“He’s been amazing, he is always taking his opportunity. You know exactly what he will bring to the team with his energy,” Kolisi said of back row partner Wiese.
“He got taken off early in one of the tests against Wales (in July). Some guys might have got upset and made a scene, but he understood that at the time he wasn’t doing what was needed.
“He stayed quiet and came back the next week and got man of the match, which tells you a lot about him. He is a big part of our team.”
Argentina vs South Africa: Siya Kolisi predicts fierce battle at the breakdown
19:20 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is predicting a fierce battle at the breakdown in their must-win Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, where victory for either side will keep them in the hunt for the title.
They each trail table-toppers New Zealand by five points and will draw level with the All Blacks if they can gain a bonus-point win.
Both sides have been inconsistent this season, battling to string a run of good performances together, but Kolisi believes whoever wins the skirmish on the floor will gain the upper hand.
“We will ensure we play to the game-plan, but also what is in front of us,” he told reporters on Friday. “(Pablo) Matera is good over the ball, (Marcos) Kremer and (Julian) Montoya too. Even (Agustin) Creevy when he comes on.
“We have to make sure we look after the breakdown. They can’t do anything without the ball and we need to look after it. If we don’t, they are going to have a field day. As loose forwards we have to make sure we manage the field.”
Argentina vs South Africa prediction
19:14 , Jack Rathborn
If Argentina produce the sort of defensive performance they managed in Hamilton against the All Blacks, South Africa may find the going tough, but the Springboks will fancy their chances of out-muscling their hosts up front. South Africa to win by ten points.
Argentina vs South Africa odds
19:07 , Jack Rathborn
Argentina win 3/1
Draw 33/1
South Africa win 4/11
Argentina vs South Africa line-ups
19:00 , Jack Rathborn
Argentina XV (1-15): Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Julian Montoya (captain), Eduardo Bello; Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lavanini; Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera; Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras; Lucio Cinti, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Emiliano Boffelli; Juan Cruz Mallia
Replacements: Agustin Creevy, Thomas Gallo, Joel Sclavi, Guido Petti, Rodrigo Bruni, Tomas Cubelli, Benjamin Urdapilleta.
South Africa XV (1-15): Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager; Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Jasper Wiese; Jaden Hendrikse, Damian Willemse; Makazole Mapimpi, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie; Willie le Roux.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Frans Steyn, Andre Esterhuizen
Argentina vs South Africa team news
18:54 , Jack Rathborn
Argentina have made seven changes to the side beaten heavily by New Zealand a fortnight ago. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and Eduardo Bello form a new propping pair, while Matias Alemanno and Juan Martin Gonzalez return to the starting side in the second and back row respectively. Gonzalo Bertranou replaces Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half, a fit-again Jeronimo de la Fuente is back in midfield and Lucio Cinti starts on the wing. Assuming the hooker is used from the bench, Agustin Creevy will surpasss Nicolas Sanchez as the outright most capped Argentina player of all time.
South Africa’s starting fifteen is unchanged after the win in Sydney. Canan Moodie, a try-scorer on debut in that Australia win, gets a second cap on the wing, while Damian Willemse continues at fly-half with Elton Jantjies sent home for disciplinary reasons. Faf de Klerk is back on the bench alongside Andre Esterhuizen and Elrigh Louw, with Jacques Nienaber again favouring a conventional 5:3 split among his replacements.
