South Africa has etched its name in the annals of rugby history, securing their first-ever back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. The Springboks overcame a spirited Argentinian side at Twickenham, with hooker Malcolm Marx delivering a powerhouse performance, including two crucial tries, that ultimately sealed the championship.
The foundation of the Springboks’ victory was their absolute dominance in the scrum. Throughout the match, the South African pack flexed its formidable muscle, consistently dismantling the Pumas’ set piece. This overwhelming superiority provided the platform for their attacks and stifled Argentina’s attempts to build momentum, proving to be the decisive factor in a contest that was otherwise closer than the scrum battles suggested.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the victory was the choice of venue. The match, officially a “home” game for Argentina, was played at Twickenham in London—a decision driven by financial considerations. The sea of green in the 70,000-strong crowd created a partisan atmosphere that heavily favored the Springboks, a fact coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged, admitting his team was “fortunate” not to have faced the Pumas on their home turf in Argentina.
However, a shadow looms over this historic achievement. The future of the Rugby Championship is uncertain. With no tournament scheduled for 2026 and discussions of a potential shift to a February window, Erasmus himself voiced concerns, remarking, “Maybe this is the last Rugby Championship.” This victory, therefore, carries a poignant weight, possibly marking the end of an era for southern hemisphere rugby.
Despite the final score, Argentina fought valiantly until the very end. They capitalized on an early yellow card for Canan Moodie to take a 13-3 lead and scored two impressive tries through Bautista Delguy and a late consolation from Rodrigo Isgró. However, missed opportunities, including a crucial late penalty, and the sheer power of the Springbok pack meant their quest for a historic win fell just short.