South Africa came from behind at half-time to defeat Argentina at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The Springboks needed a win in the final game of the Southern Hemisphere’s Rugby Championship after New Zealand beat Australia earlier in the day.
Within two minutes of kick-off, South Africa went down to 14-men after Moodie was shown yellow for a head-on-head collision. Los Pumas made use of their one-man advantage, stretching the South African defence, creating an opportunity for Delguy to open the scoring. Carreras added the first conversion of the game.
A high-tackle from Argentina allowed Feinberg-Mngomezulu to pull three points back for South Africa through a penalty kick.
Carreras then added another 6-points before half time for Los Pumas; converting two penalty opportunities.
The Springboks had desire and determination but were lacking in accuracy until an opportunity arose for scrum-half Reinach to peel away from the back of a rolling maul and dart across the line; converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Half-time at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham: Argentina 13 – 10 South Africa
Within minutes of the restart Los Pumas’ Vivas was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. The Springboks attacked with a rolling maul, Marx the try-scorer; unconverted. For the first time in the game South Africa were leading.
Just seven minutes later Reinach scored his brace and Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the extra two points for South Africa. Marx then secured his own brace of tries, again converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu. South Africa were pulling away from Los Pumas.
A moment of inaccuracy from the Springboks allowed Delguy to intercept a lazy pass and cross for his brace; converted by Carreras. With 14 minutes remaining on the clock just nine points separated the two sides.
A penalty was awarded to Los Pumas as the clock turned red. They kicked for the corner, secured line-out ball, formed a maul and then opted for a cross-field kick which Isgro gathered beautifully and grounded for the try. Conversion added by Carreras.
It was the final play of the game, earning Argentina a losing bonus-point, but ultimately pushing South Africa right to the very end.
In front of 70,360 spectators the Springbok scrum-half Reinach was named Player of the Match.
Full-time at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham: Argentina 27 – 29 South Africa
South Africa retain the Rugby Championship title.
South African coach Rassie ERASMUS, captain Siya KOLISI and try-scorer Malcom MARX in the post-match and mixed zone press conference:
