SCORING RECAP: Springboks power past Argentina

The Springboks are on the verge of history as they prepare to take on Argentina in Nelspruit in what will be a tense ‘rematch’ after last weekend’s shock loss.

South Africa are still in a real position of strength, though, currently holding a five-point lead over the Pumas in the Rugby Championship standings.

All they need to do is secure one more log point, and the Rugby Championship will be in their hands for the first time since 2019, and in fact for the first time in a ‘full round’ of the tournament.

Even a defeat without Argentina securing a bonus point would enable them to lift the trophy, but this game will be fully focused around clinching a win to finish the competition emphatically, and to celebrate Eben Etzebeth’s 128th Test in style.

The match kicks off at 17:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

YOU CAN FOLLOW THE SPRINGBOKS V ARGENTINA LIVE SCORING IN NELSPRUIT BELOW:

Siya Kolisi said the fact that no player in this squad has ever won the full edition of the Rugby Championship – a feat last achieved by the Boks in 2009 as well as in 2004 and 1998 when Bok coach Rassie Erasmus was a player – would make winning the title even sweeter if they achieve this objective.

Kolisi, who made his Test debut in Nelspruit against Scotland in 2013, had fond memories of running out in the Springbok jersey for the first time in Nelspruit and he was delighted to share Etzebeth’s phenomenal achievement with him in the same city as a good a friend on Saturday.

“I’ll never forget my first game – it was a special one against Scotland and it was tough too, so it’s fantastic for me to share this moment with Eben and mark this milestone with him together,” said Kolisi on the eve of the Nelspruit showdown with Argentina.

“I met Eben when I was 18 years-old and we’ve been friends for a long time, even when he went overseas.

“So, for us as a team the best way to show how special he is to us will be to win tomorrow. He doesn’t want this week to be about him, winning (the game and the trophy) would mean so much more to him.”

Commenting on Etzebeth as a player and team-mate, Kolisi said: “A lot of people see him as playing an enforcing role and being a good leader, but he’s also very intelligent, so there’s so much more to him than his physicality. He also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the team’s values are kept intact.”

WHAT IS YOUR SCORE PREDICTION FOR SATURDAY?

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