South Africa too strong for Argentina as All Blacks end Wellington drought

NELSPRUIT – South Africa clinched their fifth Rugby Championship title after an emphatic 48-7 win over fellow contenders Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium on Sept 28.

The two Southern Hemisphere powerhouses collided, with the hosts needing just a single point to secure their first championship triumph since 2019.

Tries from Aphelele Fassi (two), Pieter-Steph du Toit (two), Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx ensured Rassie Erasmus’ side overcame Los Pumas to add to their 2023 World Cup win.

It was also a personal milestone for Springboks forward Eben Etzebeth, 32, who, in his 128th Test, became South Africa’s most capped international.

Tomas Albornoz scored for Argentina as Felipe Contepomi’s side, who had flanker Pablo Matera sent off in the 55th minute, concluded an impressive campaign in third.

In the earlier game, winger Caleb Clarke scored two tries as New Zealand beat the Wallabies 33-13 on Sept 28 to round out the Rugby Championship with a third win and snap their six-year victory drought in Wellington.

The All Blacks back three of Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and Clarke all scored tries in the first half and prop Tamaiti Williams also crossed after the break before Clarke added his second in the final quarter at the Sky Stadium.

Two losses to South Africa and another at home to Argentina meant a 21st Rugby Championship title was beyond the All Blacks, but they were delighted to have sent former captain Sam Cane home a winner in his 100th Test.

It was New Zealand’s first Test victory in the nation’s capital in six attempts going back to 2018.

“Really pleased to reverse the curse,” said All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett.

“We didn’t start too well but I’m really pleased with how we finished. Some grit in defence there and we held out the Aussies. And Sammy, 100 Test matches. You know, every time he’s come out here, he’s put his body on the line and I’m hugely proud of him.”

The Wallabies played some of their best rugby of the year in the first half, but only had a Fraser McReight try and two Noah Lolesio penalties to show for their efforts as they finished the tournament with a single win from six matches.

“Obviously gutted. That’s not the result we wanted. I thought our first 40 was really good, we showed up, we started fast. But we struggled with possession there in the second half and had a few chances at the end to get some points and we didn’t,” said Australia captain Harry Wilson.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt had been looking for a better start after his side conceded three tries in the first 16 minutes as they lost 31-28 to the All Blacks on Sept 21 in Sydney.

The New Zealander got what he wanted in spades as the Wallabies hammered into the All Blacks with guile, accuracy and physicality from the kick-off, with flanker McReight forcing his way over for the first try after seven minutes.

The All Blacks hit back against the run of play eight minutes later, however, when centre Anton Lienert-Brown lofted the perfect pass for Reece to touch down.

Fly-half Lolesio gave the Wallabies a 10-7 lead with a penalty after 18 minutes but it was short-lived as Jordan showed his class three minutes later by scything through the defence for his 35th Test try in his 37th international.

Another Lolesio penalty edged Australia 13-12 in front four minutes before the break but New Zealand struck back with a third try on the stroke of half-time, Clarke straightening up a ragged attack to go over under the posts.

The Wallabies would have considered themselves unfortunate to resume 19-13 down and although they continued to play well, the All Blacks were now enjoying a more even share of possession.

Williams barged across the line in the 54th minute and Clarke rounded out another period of pressure to secure his brace nine minutes later, the first time the All Blacks had scored in the last quarter in six Rugby Championship Tests in 2024.

Australia had not given up, however, and pounded away at the All Blacks line for much of the remainder of the match, but the home defence held firm even after Clarke had been shown a late yellow card. REUTERS