It’s been a long four-year wait, but the Springboks have finally brought the Rugby Championship trophy back to South Africa.
And they did it in a way that fans won’t soon forget. The 48-7 thrashing of Argentina at Mbombela Stadium was nothing short of spectacular, a clear display of their dominance on the rugby field. This victory not only solidified South Africa's claim as the Rugby Championship kings but also served as a reminder that they are operating on a completely different level from their southern hemisphere rivals.
From the moment the match began, South Africa left no room for doubt.
The Springboks took charge with a commanding presence, led by coach Rassie Erasmus. His strategic brilliance shone through as his team delivered an overwhelming performance, leaving the Argentine Pumas without much of a chance. Despite Argentina’s impressive form leading up to the match, they couldn’t hold a candle to the sheer power and precision of the Springboks.
As one fan noted, "It was like watching a masterclass in rugby dominance.
" The Springboks’ defense was impenetrable, and their attack was relentless, with players executing each move with near perfection.
One of the standout stars of the match was Aphelele Fassi, who earned back his number 15 jersey in spectacular fashion. Fassi, who had been working on refining key aspects of his game, didn’t disappoint. In the first half alone, he scored two dazzling tries, cementing his position as a key player for the team. Fans were ecstatic, with many praising Fassi’s return to form.
"He was like a whirlwind out there," a supporter commented, "no one could stop him."
Not to be forgotten, Manie Libbok had a lot to prove after missing a crucial penalty in the previous match, which led to a narrow defeat against Argentina. Many critics called for his exclusion from the squad, but Erasmus stood by his man. And what a decision that turned out to be. Without the pressure of taking penalty kicks, Libbok focused on organizing the attack, delivering an impressive performance that silenced his critics.
"I told you, he’s got it in him," Erasmus said after the game.
Libbok wasn’t alone in shining on the field—Cheslin Kolbe once again dazzled with his agility, leaving defenders scrambling as he evaded tackles like they were nothing. His jinking runs made the game look almost unfair at times, with one commentator saying, "It feels like cheating when Kolbe is on the field."
In addition to the victory, the match had a significant milestone—Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok of all time with 128 appearances. Tears filled his eyes as he took to the field, and his determination was evident from the very first tackle. Though his performance was solid rather than show-stealing, Etzebeth’s leadership and presence were unmistakable throughout the match.
"To play with Eben is to play with a warrior," said teammate Siya Kolisi, who also had an outstanding game. Kolisi, as captain, lifted the trophy with pride, calling Etzebeth his "brother" in a touching tribute that resonated with fans.
If there was one player who embodied the spirit of the Springboks during this match, it was Pieter-Steph du Toit. The flanker was everywhere—whether making crucial tackles or powering through Argentina’s defense with forceful runs. He not only did the dirty work but also bagged two tries, rounding off what could only be described as a sensational performance. Du Toit’s contributions were key to ensuring the Springboks remained in control throughout the match, and many are already calling him a favorite for the
World Player of the Year award.
The Argentine side, despite their hard-fought victory over South Africa just a week prior, couldn’t keep up with the relentless pace of the Springboks. Their frustration boiled over, with several players receiving yellow cards, and Pablo Matera receiving a 20-minute red card, which essentially sealed their fate. "We weren't good enough today," said Argentina captain
Julian Montoya, acknowledging the sheer superiority of their opponents.
As the final whistle blew, the Springboks not only walked away with the Rugby Championship title but sent a clear message to the world: South Africa is the best in the game. With the World Cup on the horizon, this victory sets the stage for what could be an even more dominant run in 2025.
What did you think of the Springboks’ epic victory? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to follow for all the latest updates on this incredible team!
