Springboks claim Rugby Championship title on Etzebeth's special day
· CNA · JoinNELSPRUIT, South Africa : Fullback Aphelele Fassi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit scored two tries each as dominant South Africa claimed the 2024 Rugby Championship with a comprehensive 48-7 victory over Argentina at a festive Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Wing Cheslin Kolbe, hooker Malcolm Marx and centre Jesse Kriel also crossed for tries as the hosts bullied Argentina in the scrum and ran the visitors ragged with inventive backline play that they have introduced into their game this season.
Argentina’s only try came via flyhalf Tomas Albornoz and they were not helped by yellow cards for wing Mateo Carreras and fullback Santiago Carreras, and a 20-minute red card for flanker Pablo Matera as they lost their discipline under pressure.
There was double cause for celebration as lock Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok with his 128th appearance, one more than Victor Matfield, as the world champions finished with 24 points in the table, eight more than New Zealand.
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