Springboks Retain Rugby Championship Title in Tense Victory Over Argentina

Springboks' Rugby Championship Win: Luck, Close Calls, and Undiminished Pack Power

The Springboks secured the Rugby Championship title, but the victory was far from straightforward. A narrow 29-27 win against Argentina at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium highlighted both the team's strengths and areas for improvement, prompting reflections on luck, close calls, and the enduring power of the forward pack.

The Decisive Goal Post and a Game of Inches

The match's outcome hinged on a moment of fortune. With minutes remaining and the score at 20-29, Santiago Carreras' penalty struck the right goal post. Had the kick been successful, Los Pumas would have been within striking distance, and a late try and conversion could have snatched a 30-29 victory. As it was, the Springboks held on, but the near miss underscored the fine margins in international rugby.

Erasmus's Perspective: "Lucky" Calls and Lessons Learned

Head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the role of luck in the win, specifically referencing a knock-on by center Canan Moodie in the first half. Moodie, already on a yellow card for a high tackle, appeared to get away with a potential second yellow. Erasmus conceded that if he were in Felipe Contepomi's position, he might have seen the incident differently. “You’d rather learn while you’re winning than while you’re losing,” the coach said, emphasizing the value of extracting lessons from victories.

Pack Power and Areas for Improvement

While the backline struggled to ignite, the Springbok pack displayed its trademark power in the tryline battles. This undiminished strength provided a crucial foundation for the win. However, Erasmus noted that the team's performance was not entirely satisfactory. "We missed a few tackles, and the yellow card. Canan was lucky with the one that he tapped back, it was almost two yellow cards there." Despite the win, the team recognizes the need for continued improvement, particularly ahead of their end-of-year tour.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations

Despite retaining the Rugby Championship, the Springboks are under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. "We always knew that Argentina have got massive fight in them. They take you to the gutters and we had to swim there in the gutters with them," said Erasmus. While celebrating the victory and their current position at the top of the World Rugby rankings, the team remains focused on refining their performance and preparing for the tough competition to come.