Argentina fans display Falklands banner in defeat to South Africa
10:17PMArgentina captain Pablo MateraLink copied to clipboard“I am proud of a team. South Africa are a big rival, everyone knows what they can do. I think we prepared ourselves very well these last two weeks. . . .
10:17PMArgentina captain Pablo MateraLink copied to clipboard“I am proud of a team. South Africa are a big rival, everyone knows what they can do. I think we prepared ourselves very well these last two weeks. I am sad for the result but cannot be prouder of us. ”10:16PMSouth Africa captain Siya KolisiLink copied to clipboard“It was a tough game, which is exactly what we expected. A lot of us have come back from injuries so we knew the chemistry and cohesion would be tough. The Pumas took their opportunities and they are a great team. They are a passionate team, like us, which is why we like coming here. We are looking forward to the upcoming games, it is going to be really tough, but this is great preparation. We wish Argentina well for their upcoming games. The people of Argentina are great and they always show so much love to us as a team. I hurt my hamstring again unfortunately so I will go for a scan. I cannot be sad about it as there is nothing I can do. ”10:08PMUpcoming schedule for South Africa’s Greatest Rivalry TourLink copied to clipboardGame One: South Africa vs New Zealand (August 22)Game Two: South Africa vs New Zealand (August 29)Game Three: South Africa vs New Zealand (September 5)Game Four: South Africa vs New Zealand (September 12)South Africa will head home ahead of this series and will now have two weeks to prepare for that first game. 10:05PMFull timeLink copied to clipboardMoroni knocks on with an opportunity to score in front of him and that is the game. South Africa hold on to beat Argentina 17-10 in Buenos Aires. Argentina suffer the same fate as they did in their last game against England, when they came up just short of scoring a try that would have given them the chance to get a draw at the death. Moroni is devastated. 10:03PM81 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardArgentina take the quick tap. Rapetti’s strong carry takes them to within five metres of the Springbok line. Argentina are knocking on the door, knowing they have to score a converted try here to get a draw. 10:01PM80 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardArgentina win themselves a penalty within 10 metres of the South Africa line. 10:00PM79 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardI was about to ask why on earth back-row Matera was kicking the ball with 60 seconds remaining but his kick is sublime. From inside his own half, Matera’s kick rolls into touch inside the Springbok 22 and it is a 50:22. This is the game here, one last chance for Argentina. . . 9:59PM78 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardWe enter the final two minutes of the game and Argentina have a lineout inside the South African half. Is this last-chance saloon for Argentina?9:55PM75 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardCarreras spots space in behind and, from inside his own half, kicks superbly towards the corner. The ball seems destined to go out and it would have been a quite sensational 50:22 for Argentina but Fassi does brilliantly to keep his composure and keep the ball in before South Africa clear their lines. 9:51PM71 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardArgentina compound one error with another. A lineout throw from Argentina replacement hooker Oviedo is not straight just inside the Springbok half and that is followed up by South Africa dominating again at scrum time. They earn themselves a penalty advantage and make great progress down the field. However, not long after advantage is called over as South Africa approach the Argentina 22, Dixon goes into touch. 9:47PM67 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa’s scrum dominance continues as their pack wins a penalty just inside their own half. It is nearly an entirely new pack for the Springboks but they still dominate. They take play up to the Argentina 22 and they will look to potentially kill off this game with a try. Argentina do enough to halt the maul so the ball has to come out. Pollard puts a delicate grubber kick through trying to pick out Moodie but Argentina gather and clear. 9:45PM65 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 17Link copied to clipboardEsterhuizen is going off for an HIA so Fassi returns to the field. 9:41PMTRY! Hanekom puts South Africa in frontLink copied to clipboardFor the first time today, the Springboks lead. South Africa’s pack absolutely dominates at scrum time, earning a penalty advantage and powering their way over, with Hanekom dotting down at the back of the scrum. Pollard gets the conversion. Argentina’s defence has been under pressure in this second half and finally the dam bursts. 9:39PM62 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardAfter a clever kick in behind by Pollard, Prisciantelli is held up near his own line to present South Africa a great attacking opportunity five metres out from the Argentina try line. 9:37PM60 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardPollard is on for Fassi for the Springboks, meaning they now have two fly-halves and primary playmakers on the pitch. There has also been a change at scrum-half with Van den Berg replacing Reinach. 9:35PM58 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardEngland are not even playing in this game yet the Argentina fans still want to make a political statement:“The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”Credit: Alejandro Pagni/Getty Images9:32PM57 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardThere will be no try for South Africa as we go back for a lineout to Argentina. Van Staden was in touch quite a while before the “try” was scored. It looked in real time that he was in touch and we only need one replay to prove it. Not sure why the TMO could not have looked at that earlier and intervened. 9:31PM56 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa are knocking on the door once more as they have possession inside the Argentina 22. The Springboks now have a penalty advantage and think they may have scored under the posts. . . 9:29PM54 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardArgentina are under pressure at the moment with their defence being tested but currently they are holding firm. 9:26PM51 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardA series of powerful carries from South Africa takes them deep into the Argentinian 22 but Esterhuizen is held up over the line by numerous Argentina defenders. South Africa have wasted another entry into the Argentina 22. 9:25PM50 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa have made a host of changes in the pack, with Steenekamp, Porthen, Dixon and Wiese all on. 9:23PM49 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa force a knock-on near halfway and Fassi spots space in behind. The Springbok full-back puts in a great kick that keeps rolling towards the try line. Hooker races after it but Harlequins winger Isgro gets back in time to dot down behind his line. 9:20PM46 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardCarreras’ kick hits the left upright and he cannot take the chance to restore Argentina’s lead. 9:19PM45 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardArgentina have made a change in the second row as Elias has replaced Lavanini. South Africa are on the attack inside the Argentina half before Argentina replacement tighthead Rapetti intercepts and storms ahead into the South African half. The Springboks are then penalised for slowing the ball on their own 10-metre line and Argentina will go for goal to retake the lead. . . 9:15PM41 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 10Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa concede a penalty straight from the kick-off after contact from Hanekom in the air. Argentina have made a change at tighthead prop as Rapetti has replaced Moreno. Benitez Cruz has passed his HIA and is back on. 9:13PMSecond halfLink copied to clipboardWe are back under way in Buenos Aires, with the game finely poised at 10-10. South Africa were back out a fair bit earlier than Argentina; did Rassie Erasmus send his man back out early as he was unimpressed with their first-half performance?9:09PMHT statsLink copied to clipboardPossession:Argentina 45%-55% South AfricaTerritory:30%-70%Tackles made:83-62Tackles missed:11-8Clean breaks:6-1Penalties conceded:5-48:57PMHalf-timeLink copied to clipboardThat is the final act of the half and we are all square at 10-10 at the break in Buenos Aires. 8:57PMTRY! Van der Merwe scores on stroke of half-timeLink copied to clipboardSouth Africa score inside the final minute of the first half. They come down their right and it stems from an offload out of the tackle from Esterhuizen. Passes from Moodie and then Fassi sends Van der Merwe sprinting down the right touchline to score. He comes in-field to make it an easy conversion for Feinberg-Mngomezulu. A big try for South Africa just before the breakCredit: Alejandro Pagni/Getty Images8:56PM39 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa are in possession inside the Argentinian half as we enter the final minute of the half. . . 8:54PM37 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa’s kicking game is usually on point but today too often the kicks are slightly too long from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Reinach. 8:52PM35 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardArgentina scrum-half Benitez Cruz, who plays his club rugby for Newcastle Red Bulls, is going off for an HIA and at least temporarily will be replaced by Moyano. 8:49PM33 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardArgentina have thus far matched South Africa’s physicality but can they maintain that throughout the 80 minutes? South Africa have lacked rhythm in attack. 8:46PM30 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa number eight Hanekom gets over the ball quickly and wins the visitors the penalty at a breakdown just inside the Argentina half. Feinberg-Mngomezulu takes South Africa up towards the Argentina 22. However, a few phases later, South Africa are penalised as Reinach was offside. Another entry into the Argentina 22 brings no points for South Africa. 8:40PM25 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardThe throw from Grobelaar is overthrown, allowing Argentina to steal possession and clear their lines. South Africa come away from that period of pressure inside the Argentina 22 with no points. 8:39PM24 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa have a penalty advantage from the maul, five metres out from the Argentina line. Nothing comes from it so go back for the penalty after Ruiz collapsed the maul. South Africa are forced into a change as Kolisi is going off injured. He is replaced by van Staden and that is a permanent replacement. 8:35PM23 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardArgentina know they have to front up physically against South Africa and so far are doing a good job of matching the Springbok physicality with some big hits. South Africa though make good progress with their latest attack and get to within five metres of the line. However, Etzebeth knocks on and the attack is over. Argentina will be happy with their defence thus far. However, the TMO has stepped in to show that there was a no-arm’s tackle by Petti, which forced the knock-on from Etzebeth. Replays show that was the right call. 8:33PM20 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardThe ball is in-play for what feels like an age, probably around four minutes on the trot. South Africa go through more than 10 phases just outside the Argentina 22 before Feinberg-Mngomezulu drops into the pocket. It is a long-range drop goal that hits the crossbar. The ball bounces loose and Argentina do a good job of recovering the loose ball before clearing. 8:28PM16 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa may have conceded a penalty from the first scrum of the game but this time normal order is restored as the Springbok forwards exert their dominance and win themselves a penalty. 8:27PM14 mins: Argentina 10 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa have not made the best of starts to this game and now they are caught offside in defence on halfway. Argentina are in the ascendancy right now and they have to capitalise because they know South Africa will improve and come back into this one sooner rather than later. Argentina take play towards the South Africa 22. However, the attack is then ended a few phases into this latest attack due to a forward pass. 8:21PMTRY! Grondona restores Argentina’s leadLink copied to clipboardArgentina are over for the first try of the game. South Africa’s defence appeared to be holding firm but a great offload out of a tackle from Wenger sends Grondona free through a gap to score. Carreras adds the extras and Argentina lead 10-3. That was superb from Harlequins prop Wenger, who was held up by two tackles but somehow got the offload away. 8:20PM8 mins: Argentina 3 South Africa 3Link copied to clipboardWe have the first scrum of the game just outside the South Africa after a knock-on from de Jager. South Africa’s pack is heavier by over 30kg and is a formidable unit but the former Bath man du Toit is penalised for going to ground. Argentina send it into the South African 22. 8:18PMPENALTY SOUTH AFRICA!Link copied to clipboardFeinburg-Mngomezulu, back from injury, makes no mistake from the tee and we are back level at 3-3. 8:18PM5 mins: Argentina 3 South Africa 0Link copied to clipboardSouth Africa are on the attack just outside the Argentina 22 and Matera thinks he has stolen the ball at the breakdown but the experienced back-row is penalised. The kick is right out in front on the edge of the 22 so South Africa go for what should be an easy three. . . 8:17PM4 mins: Argentina 3 South Africa 0Link copied to clipboardInterestingly, over half of Argentina’s starting XV are based in the Gallagher Prem. 8:15PMPENALTY ARGENTINA!Link copied to clipboardCarreras has plenty of power on the kick and also has the accuracy to send it through the posts to give Argentina an early lead. 8:14PM2 mins: Argentina 0 South Africa 0Link copied to clipboardThe first penalty of the game goes the way of Argentina as Springbok number eight Hanekom is penalised for going around the neck on a tackle on Isgro just inside his own half. Argentina take the pragmatic decision and go for goal from distance. . . 8:12PMKick-offLink copied to clipboardWe are under way in Buenos Aires, just over 10 minutes later than what was originally scheduled! It does feel like if Argentina are to have any chance of toppling South Africa today then they need to harness the power of their home crowd and get their fans involved as much as possible. Christophe Ridley is the man in the middle with the whistle. Not sure how well it will go down with the home crowd that an Englishman is the referee!8:09PMEmotion on showLink copied to clipboardAs is customary during the Argentinian national anthem, there is plenty of gusto and passion from their players whilst singing. When you also factor in that there are four debutants in their matchday 23 today, you can expect even more passion. And with the game being played in Argentina, it is the full length anthem, which probably lasts around three minutes in total. 8:01PMAnthem timeLink copied to clipboardThe sun is out in Buenos Aires, although with it being in the heart of winter in Argentina at the moment the temperature is down in the low teens. Both sides emerge from the tunnel, with Siya Kolisi back from injury to lead out the Springboks and Pablo Matera leading out Argentina in Julian Montoya’s absence, and it is time for the national anthems. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrikafollowed byHimno Nacional Argentino. 7:45PMHave your sayLink copied to clipboardCan Argentina stop the juggernaut that is the Springboks? A reminder that you can share your views and questions in the comments section at the bottom of the blog. 7:37PMUpcoming schedule for South Africa’s Greatest Rivalry TourLink copied to clipboardGame One: South Africa vs New Zealand (August 22)Game Two: South Africa vs New Zealand (August 29)Game Three: South Africa vs New Zealand (September 5)Game Four: South Africa vs New Zealand (September 12)7:31PMLast five meetingsLink copied to clipboardOctober 2025: South Africa 29 Argentina 27September 2025: South Africa 67 Argentina 30September 2024: South Africa 48 Argentina 7September 2024: Argentina 29 South Africa 28August 2023: Argentina 13 South Africa 24Here are the highlights from the enthralling meeting at Allianz Stadium in London in October last year:7:21PMArgentina in the houseLink copied to clipboard7:15PMResults in the opening three rounds of the Nations ChampionshipLink copied to clipboardMixed fortunes for Argentina whilst it was a 100% win record for South Africa:Argentina:July 4- Argentina 38 Scotland 47July 11- Argentina 35 Wales 21July 18- Argentina 24 England 31South Africa:July 4- South Africa 45 England 21July 11- South Africa 42 Scotland 28July 18- South Africa 43 Wales 07:10PMArgentina player who shoved referee banned for four matchesLink copied to clipboardTomás Albornoz, the Argentina fly-half, has been suspended for four matches after admitting“intimidatory” misconduct in exchanges with Angus Gardner, the referee,during his side’s31-24 defeat by England last month. Albornoz appeared to make contact with Gardner at the end of the match to dispute his decision to deny Argentina a try that could have led to the Nations Championship match ending in a draw. 7:05PMTeamsLink copied to clipboardArgentina starting XV:15 Geronimo Prisciantelli, 14 Rodrigo Isgro, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Faustino Sanchez Valarolo, 11 Igancio Mendy, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Simon Benitez Cruz, 1 Boris Wenger, 2 Ignacio Ruiz, 3 Francisco Moreno, 4 Guido Petti, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Benjamin Grondona, 8 Joaquin Moro. Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Tomas Rapetti, 19 Efrain Elias, 20 Juan Penoucos, 21 Juan Martin Scelzo, 22 Agustin Moyano, 23 Matias Moroni. South Africa starting XV:15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 1 Boan Venter, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Cameron Hanekom. Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Cobus Wiese, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Handre Pollard. 6:59PMLos Pumas face the SpringboksLink copied to clipboardBack-to-back world champions South Africa have travelled to Buenos Aires to take on Argentina. Argentina have beaten South Africa just four times in 40 meetings between the nations, with their last win over the Springboks coming in September 2024 when they won 29-28 in Santiago del Estero. Argentina’s Nations Championship games on home soil last month did not exactly go to plan. They fell to defeats to Scotland and England, with their only win coming against Wales. The loss to England was a particularly fiery affair, a few days after Argentina beat England in the Fifa World Cup semi-finals. Argentina were denied a late try which could have earned them a draw and led to chaos at the full-time whistle at the end of an ill-tempered match. After today, Argentina have two home games against Australia in a few weeks’ time, which will be their final games before the second half of the Nations Championship takes place in the northern hemisphere in November. South Africa won all three games in the first half of the inaugural Nations Championship, beating England, Scotland and Wales on home soil. The Springboks have a four-match series coming up against New Zealand over the next couple of months. They have welcomed back a number of key players from injury including captain Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has decided though to rest a number of players and keep them back in South Africa to prepare for the Greatest Rivalry Tour against New Zealand, including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse and Jesse Kriel. “We tried to get the balance right between giving some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time in our last four matches a valuable run against Argentina, while at the same time managing the players who have played a lot of rugby this year,” said Erasmus. “The guys who have recovered from their injuries have been training hard and are ready to go, so it will be great for them to get a tough Test match under the belt before we face New Zealand. “The Argentineans are very similar to South Africans in many ways. Their passion and patriotism for their country and people, and the way they give everything on the field and keep fighting is a testament to the type of Test match we are expecting this weekend. They have beaten us twice in Argentina before and they delivered brave performances in their Nations Championship matches, and will have a point to prove on Saturday, so we are fully aware of the challenge ahead. “They have a strong forward pack and dangerous backs, and they will have a very passionate crowd behind them, so we will have to be at our best to win this match. We have had to grind out results against them on several occasions in the past, so it will take a proper 80-minute effort this weekend, and we are looking forward to the challenge. ”Kick-off from Buenos Aires is at 8pm BST.