In a drama‑packed finale at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on , the South Africa Rugby Union side – better known as the Springboks – edged out Argentina Rugby Union 29‑27 to retain the Rugby Championship crown for the first time in history. 70,360 fans watched a match that swung on a single yellow card, two brilliant braces and a points‑difference tiebreak that left the All Blacks staring at a plus‑8 margin while South Africa boasted a staggering +57.
Background to the 2025 Rugby Championship
The 2025 edition of the Rugby ChampionshipSouthern Hemisphere began in early July, featuring the usual quartet – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. After a shaky start to their season, highlighted by a 26‑12 loss to the Wallabies at Ellis Park in June, the Springboks rallied under Rassie Erasmus's guidance. Their resurgence saw them win six of eight pool games, finishing the round‑robin with 19 log points, exactly the same total as the All Blacks.
What made this year historic was the introduction of points‑difference as the final tiebreaker. Both South Africa and New Zealand entered the last round level on points, but the Boks' +57 differential – accumulated through big wins over Australia and the Pumas – eclipsed New Zealand's modest +8, delivering South Africa’s sixth title in the competition’s 30‑year history.
Match Summary: South Africa vs Argentina
Refereed by Italy’s Andrea Piardi, the game kicked off under a crisp London sky. A disastrous start for the Springboks saw Canan Moodie earn a yellow card in the second minute for a dangerous tackle, leaving the Boks a man down for 10 minutes.
Argentina pounced. In the fourth minute, winger Bautista Delguy dove over for the opening try, with full‑back Santiago Carreras slotting the conversion. Carreras added penalties at the 18‑ and 27‑minute marks, giving the Pumas a 13‑10 lead at the break.
South Africa’s first points came from a penalty by kicker Feinberg‑Mngomezulu in the 10th minute, but the scoreboard stayed tight. The turning point arrived in the 38th minute when scrum‑half Cobus Reinach—who would finish as Man of the Match—sliced through the defense for his first try. He added a second in the 52nd minute, each time followed by flawless conversions from Feinberg‑Mngomezulu.
Hooker Malcolm Marx mirrored Reinach’s haul, striking twice in the 44th and 58th minutes. By the 60th minute the Boks held a 29‑13 cushion. Argentina, however, refused to surrender: Delguy crossed again in the 66th minute and Carreras nailed the conversion, while a cross‑field kick saw Rodrigo Isgró dive home in injury time, with Carreras converting at 80+3. The final whistle blew with the scoreboard reading 29‑27.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The statistical picture tells the story. South Africa out‑gained the Pumas in the set‑piece by a 58‑22 scrum count, while their line‑out success rate sat at 85 % compared with Argentina’s 70 %. The Boks posted five tries, two of which came from Reinach and two from Marx – a rare brace for a front‑row player.
“Not the most perfect game we’ve played, but it’s the fight we show each week,” said Siya Kolisi, captaining the side. “We found that second gear when it mattered most.” Kolisi also reflected on the early‑season slump: “After the shocking loss to the Wallabies at Ellis Park, no one believed we’d be here. The belief comes from the mindset Rassie Erasmus has built since 2018.”
Argentina’s coach, after the defeat, praised the Pumas: “We fought till the last minute. A two‑point loss in London shows the squad’s heart, even if the wooden spoon awaits us for the first time since 2022.”
Implications for the Springboks and Global Rugby
Retaining the championship cements South Africa’s position at the top of the World Rugby Rankings, reinforcing their status as world number one. The points‑difference rule, used for the first time, sparked debate among administrators – some argue it rewards offensive firepower, while others fear it may penalize defensively‑oriented teams.
For New Zealand, the narrow miss highlights a need to tighten defence; their +8 differential points to several costly lapses against Australia (28‑14) earlier on October 4. Meanwhile, Argentina’s relocation of the “home” match to Twickenham – a move driven by ticket revenue – sparked discussion about the fairness of venue switches in a competition traditionally held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Looking Ahead: Future Fixtures and Rankings
With the championship sealed, the Springboks now turn to the November internationals, where they will face England and Wales on home soil. Coach Rassie Erasmus hinted at squad rotation: “We’ll keep the core that won this title, but give younger talent a chance to taste the pressure.”
Argentina, meanwhile, must regroup before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, aiming to avoid another wooden spoon finish. Their early‑season form suggests they can still produce moments of brilliance, but consistency remains the missing piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does South Africa’s title defence affect the World Rugby Rankings?
The Springboks retain the top spot, staying at 1.00 points ahead of New Zealand. Their +57 points‑difference also gives them a higher rating buffer, making it harder for rivals to overtake them in the next ranking cycle.
Why was the points‑difference rule introduced this year?
World Rugby wanted a clearer tiebreaker after several tournaments ended with teams level on log points. The new rule rewards teams that win by larger margins, encouraging attacking play throughout the competition.
What impact did moving the Argentina ‘home’ game to Twickenham have?
The relocation boosted ticket revenue – the stadium sold out at 70,360 – but it also meant the Pumas lost the usual home‑field advantage. The crowd was heavy with South African expatriates, which some argue tilted the atmosphere in favour of the Springboks.
Who were the standout players of the match?
Man of the Match Cobus Reinach scored two tries and orchestrated the Boks' attack. Hooker Malcolm Marx also bagged a brace, while Argentina’s Bautista Delguy kept his team in it with two scores.
What does the result mean for Argentina’s future in the Rugby Championship?
Finishing with the wooden spoon puts pressure on the Argentine Rugby Union to rebuild. The close scoreline shows they can compete, but consistency and defensive solidity will be crucial if they aim to break the Boks’ dominance in the next cycle.
Adrish Sinha
October 5, 2025 AT 05:37What an amazing finish for the Springboks, they truly deserved the title!
Arun kumar Chinnadhurai
October 10, 2025 AT 12:17That comeback shows the depth of the Springboks' squad. The early yellow card could have killed them, yet they kept pressing. Coach Rassie’s system clearly empowers every player to step up when needed. Fans should take pride in how the team rallied after a rocky start. This victory is a textbook example of resilience in high‑pressure rugby.
Aayush Sarda
October 15, 2025 AT 18:57The Springboks have demonstrated unequivocal superiority, a testament to South African rugby's enduring vigor. Argentina's valiant effort, though commendable, was insufficient against a side that commands both physicality and tactical acumen. The introduction of the points‑difference rule merely illuminated South Africa's offensive prowess, a factor that any legitimate challenger must reckon with. It is incumbent upon the Pumas to reassess their strategic framework if they intend to contest the throne.
Mohit Gupta
October 21, 2025 AT 01:37Wow!!! That was a roller‑coaster ride!!! The Boks hanging on by a thread after that yellow card-no way they survived!!! Argentina fighting till the end-pure heart!!! Rugby at its best, mate!!
Varun Dang
October 26, 2025 AT 08:17The match highlighted the importance of staying composed under pressure, and the Springboks executed that principle flawlessly. Their ability to convert turnovers into points reflects excellent preparation. Argentina, meanwhile, showcased admirable spirit that deserves recognition. Moving forward, both teams can build on these lessons to elevate their future performances. Congratulations to all who contributed to such a thrilling finale.