Argentina Clinches Tense Victory over Australia in Rugby Championship; Black Ferns Ready for World Cup Quarter-Final
Argentina secured a hard-fought 28-26 victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship, avenging their previous loss. Meanwhile, the Black Ferns are gearing up for their Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against South Africa.
Pumas Capitalize on Wallabies' Undisciplined Play
Argentina's fly-half Santiago Carreras proved to be the difference-maker, contributing 23 points with seven penalties and a conversion. Julian Montoya, in his 50th match as Argentina captain, scored the team's only try in the eighth minute. Despite late tries from Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu, Australia couldn't complete a comeback. The game took place in Sydney.
"I'm just grateful to play with this jersey," said Montoya. "This time we won, but I think we make it tough for ourselves sometimes."
Australia conceded 13 penalties to Argentina’s five, allowing Carreras to kick eight from eight.
Wallabies' Renaissance Stumbles After Defeat
The defeat interrupts the Wallabies' progress under coach Joe Schmidt. Despite outscoring Argentina four tries to one, errors and ill-discipline cost them the match. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii scored an early try for the Wallabies, but Tane Edmed’s charged-down kick led to a Montoya try for the Pumas. Schmidt expressed disappointment in his side’s lack of cohesion and errors under pressure, including dropping the ball and losing aerial battles. The defeat means Australia has missed the chance to start the Rugby Championship with three wins in four matches for the first time since 2011.
Black Ferns Face South Africa in World Cup Quarter-Final
The Black Ferns, as reigning champions and pre-tournament favorites, will face South Africa in the first of this year's knockout matches. They have displayed dominant form, securing wins over Spain, Japan, and Ireland. South Africa reached this stage with wins over Brazil and Italy before losing to France. The match is being played in Devon.
How to Watch New Zealand v South Africa
The match will be broadcast for free on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two in the UK, and on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in Ireland. Streaming services like SuperSport in South Africa, Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand, Paramount+ and CBS Sports in the United States, and Stan Sport in Australia will also be broadcasting the game.
New Zealand v South Africa Team Line-ups
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Renee Holmes, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ruahei Demant (captain), Maia Joseph; Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maia Roos, Alana Bremner, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker. Replacements: Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Laura Bayfield, Kennedy Tukuafu, Iritana Hohaia, Amy du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-liga |
| South Africa | Byrhandre Dolf, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Nadine Roos; Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala, Babalwa Latsha, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Aseza Hele. Replacements: Luchell Hanekom, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Lerato Makua, Catha Jacobs, Eloise Webb |
Sara Cox of England is the referee for this World Cup quarter-final.