The Springboks ended their brief 2023 home campaign with a whimper as they managed to limp over the line to beat Argentina 22-21 with a performance that will furrow brows.
Argentina came within a whisker of another big upset, forcing South Africa to cling on for a 22-21 victory to end the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Argentina trailed the world champions 15-9 at halftime but controlled the entire second half and threatened to follow up its victory in Australia two weeks ago with a first win on the Highveld in South Africa. The crucial moment came when South Africa flyhalf Manie Libbok scored a breakaway try in the 69th minute after Argentina threw a loose pass while on the attack deep in Springboks territory.
South Africa survived a second-half Argentina onslaught to win 22-21 in Johannesburg on Saturday and finish Rugby Championship runners-up behind New Zealand.Argentina and South Africa meet again next Saturday, in Buenos Aires, in a warm-up match ahead of the September 8-October 28 World Cup in France.
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Manie Libbok scored a late breakaway try to secure South Africa a bruising 22-21 victory over Argentina and earn second-place in the Rugby Championship.