South Africa and Argentina are set for the second matchup to decide The Rugby Championship title, Sept. 28 at Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela, South Africa.
The rugby rivalry between South Africa and Argentina has grown significantly in recent years, particularly since Argentina joined the Rugby Championship in 2012. While South Africa has traditionally been one of the world’s rugby powerhouses, Argentina has steadily improved, becoming a formidable force on the global stage. Here’s an overview of their rivalry.
Argentina shocked the world last week when they held back waves of Springboks attacks to secure a 29-28 win over the then-No. 1-ranked team in the world. It was the cherry on top of a fantastic competition for Los Pumas, who have defeated all three opponents at least once.
South Africa, meanwhile, lost their first game of the Rugby Championship to the upstart Pumas. They’ll look to get back on the horse and win the competition outright for the first time since 2019.
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1. Rugby Championship Participation
- Expansion in 2012: Argentina’s inclusion in the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations, which included New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa) was a major milestone for Los Pumas. It gave Argentina more regular competition against the world’s top teams, including the Springboks (South Africa).
- Match Frequency: Since 2012, South Africa and Argentina have played each other at least twice annually as part of the Rugby Championship. The intensity and competitiveness of these matches have increased over time as Argentina gained experience and confidence.
2. Head-to-Head Record
- South Africa’s Dominance: Historically, South Africa has dominated the head-to-head matchups, especially before 2012, when Argentina struggled against the world’s top teams. The Springboks’ physicality, depth of talent, and tactical discipline made them a difficult opponent for Los Pumas.
- Argentina’s Breakthrough: Since joining the Rugby Championship, Argentina has recorded some significant victories over South Africa. Their first historic win came in 2015, when they defeated the Springboks 37-25 in Durban—a landmark moment in Argentine rugby history.
- Close Contests: Though South Africa still maintains an overall advantage in terms of wins, many recent encounters have been closely contested. Argentina’s growing rugby prowess means that each match between the two nations is competitive and unpredictable.
3. Rugby World Cup Encounters
- 2007 World Cup: South Africa and Argentina met in the semifinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks secured a dominant 37-13 victory on their way to winning the tournament.
- 2015 World Cup: In the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Argentina and South Africa faced off in the bronze medal match. South Africa narrowly won 24-13, but Argentina’s run to the semifinals, where they lost to Australia, was a testament to their rapid improvement on the world stage.
4. Playing Styles
- South Africa (Springboks): Known for their physically dominant style, the Springboks have long been associated with powerful forward play, set-piece strength (scrums and lineouts), and a tactical kicking game. Their defense is typically suffocating, and they thrive in structured, controlled environments. More recently, they have added an explosive, counter-attacking dimension to their game.
- Argentina (Los Pumas): Argentina traditionally built their game around a dominant scrum and forward pack, but in recent years, they’ve developed a more expansive and attacking style, with a focus on fast, open play and creative backline moves. The influence of Argentine players playing in top European clubs has contributed to this shift, making them a more well-rounded and unpredictable team.
5. Key Matches and Moments
- 2015 Durban Win: Argentina’s first-ever win over South Africa in Durban was a major moment for the Pumas. It signaled their arrival as serious contenders in the Rugby Championship.
- 2018 Mendoza Victory: In 2018, Argentina defeated South Africa 32-19 in Mendoza, another important victory that showed the Springboks’ vulnerability and Argentina’s increasing competitiveness.
- 2023 Rugby Championship: In the shortened Rugby Championship leading up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, South Africa and Argentina played a close match in Johannesburg, with the Springboks winning 22-21, showcasing the competitive nature of their encounters.
6. Cultural Significance
- South Africa: Rugby is more than just a sport in South Africa—it’s a symbol of unity and pride, especially since the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup, when the Springboks helped unite a divided nation. The Springboks represent resilience, power, and excellence, and their legacy is among the greatest in world rugby.
- Argentina: Rugby in Argentina has grown significantly, though it still competes with soccer for national attention. Los Pumas are celebrated for their grit, passion, and the way they’ve risen on the international stage despite fewer resources compared to the traditional rugby giants. Rugby in Argentina is a point of national pride, particularly as their performances continue to inspire the next generation.
7. Notable Players
- South Africa: South Africa has produced some of the greatest rugby players in history, including Siya Kolisi (captain during their 2019 Rugby World Cup win), Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield, and recent stars like Cheslin Kolbe.
- Argentina: Argentina has also had its share of legends, like Agustín Pichot, Juan Martín Hernández, and more recent talents like Pablo Matera and Nicolás Sánchez, who have all played pivotal roles in the team’s rise.
8. Future of the Rivalry
- With both teams continuing to evolve, the rivalry between South Africa and Argentina is expected to grow in importance. The Springboks will aim to maintain their status as world champions and one of rugby’s best teams, while Argentina seeks to consistently challenge the top nations, including South Africa.
- Argentina’s Growth: Argentina’s exposure to top-level competition in the Rugby Championship has been vital for their development, and they are increasingly seen as a team capable of upsetting traditional powers. With more players gaining experience in elite European leagues, they’re likely to continue improving.
9. Rugby Championship Importance
- For both South Africa and Argentina, the Rugby Championship serves as a crucial platform for preparation ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The tournament allows both teams to test themselves against high-quality opposition regularly and helps foster a competitive edge.
The South Africa vs. Argentina rugby rivalry is defined by physicality, passion, and Argentina’s desire to close the gap between themselves and rugby’s elite. South Africa’s established dominance contrasts with Argentina’s determined rise, making every encounter exciting for fans of both nations.