The Rugby Championship is heading into its final weekend, with Argentina making history by defeating traditional powerhouses South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in the same season for the first time. The Pumas’ 29-28 win over the Springboks means South Africa needs only a losing bonus point this weekend to claim the title, but they’ll be eager to avenge their defeat. Meanwhile, the All Blacks narrowly escaped a stunning comeback by the Wallabies in Sydney, securing their second win of the tournament.
One major takeaway from the weekend is the All Blacks’ continued struggles in the second half. Despite building a 21-0 lead, they failed to add points in the final quarter and saw their discipline and finishing drop off significantly. Coach Ian Robertson acknowledged the issue, saying, “We’ve talked, we’ve had more meetings than Saatchi and Saatchi, it feels like around the actual opportunity to see them [the attacking chances], now how we’re going to finish them.”
The All Blacks were also forced to scramble defensively as the Wallabies scored two tries in the final 15 minutes. The visitors were reduced to 13 men for three minutes following yellow cards to Anton Lienert-Brown and Caleb Clarke, making it the second straight Test New Zealand had seen two players sin-binned.
In the other match, South Africa’s undefeated Rugby Championship campaign came to an end in Argentina. The world champions saw an early 17-0 lead become a 26-22 deficit by halftime, and despite a gripping contest, neither team could add to their three first-half tries thereafter. The match ultimately came down to the boot of Tomas Albornoz, Handre Pollard, and Manie Libbok, with Albornoz kicking the Pumas back in front with 12 minutes to play.
Libbok had a chance to win the game for South Africa with a penalty kick in the 79th minute, but pulled the shot to the left of the posts. This is not the first time Libbok’s goal-kicking has come into focus, and his international career is at risk of stalling before it has really begun.
Argentina’s historic win secured their place in history as only the third nation and fifth team ever to beat each of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in the same calendar year. The Pumas’ attacking skill and defensive toughness have been the biggest improvements under new coach Felipe Contepomi, who has added a devastating attacking edge to their play.
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