South Africa vs Argentina LIVE: Rugby Championship result as Springboks win but miss out on title

New Zealand were crowned Rugby Championship winners after South Africa fell short of an imposing target to snatch the title away from the All Blacks.

The All Blacks’ big 40-14 victory over Wallabies earlier on Saturday meant that the Springboks had to beat Argentina by 40 points to snatch the title away from New Zealand.

They fought valiantly in Durban but only managed a 38-21 victory as they missed a number of chances throughout the game and the Pumas hit back strongly in the second half.

It means the All Blacks retain the title they won last year, as the Springboks finish second in the table - level on points with New Zealand but crucially trailing in the points difference stakes.

Relive all the action with us below:

South Africa vs Argentina - Rugby Championship updates

• Springboks win but not by the 40 points required to snatch the Rugby Championship title away from All Blacks

• FULL-TIME! South Africa 38-21 Argentina

• 72’ - TRY! Another penalty try from a collapsed amul for the Springboks (RSA 31-21 ARG)

• 68’ - TRY! Moroni dots down from miss pass (RSA 24-21 ARG)

• 47’ - TRY! Gonzalez steps Le Roux for a brilliant score (RSA 17-14 ARG)

• 40’ - TRY! Lavanini dives over from close-range to narrow the deficit (RSA 17-7 ARG)

• 28’ - TRY! Kolisi sneaks over after a maul (RSA 14-0 ARG)

• 19’ - TRY! Wiese goes over from the back of a scrum (RSA 7-0 ARG)

South Africa beat Argentina but New Zealand win the Rugby Championship

18:36 , Luke Baker

South Africa won the battle but lost the war following their 38-21 victory over ill-disciplined Argentina at a sold-out King’s Park in Durban on Saturday, a result that handed the 2022 Rugby Championship title to New Zealand.

The All Blacks top the standings with 19 points from their six games, one more than South Africa, who could not manage the try-scoring bonus point they needed to go with a 39-point winning margin on the scoreboard to claim the trophy.

Instead, Argentina ran them close in Durban but were once again let down by their discipline as they received four yellow cards and conceded two penalty tries. The Boks also scored through No 8 Jasper Wiese, loose-forward Siya Kolisi and replacement full back Kurt-Lee Arendse.

The visitors looked dangerous every time they had ball in hand and scored three tries through scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou, back row Juan Martin Gonzalez and centre Matias Moroni, but spent much of the time on defence as they conceded 22 penalties in the game.

Reuters

South Africa beat Argentina but New Zealand win the Rugby Championship

South Africa fall just short of the title

18:27 , Luke Baker

FULL-TIME! South Africa 38-21 Argentina

18:18 , Luke Baker

The Springboks get the win in Durban and finish level on points with New Zealand atop the Rugby Championship table but miss out on the trophy on points difference. They didn’t get the 40-point victory they needed.

TRY! South Africa 38-21 Argentina

18:17 , Luke Baker

80 mins - South Africa knock on so Argentina recover the ball and run from deep. Lovely gliding run by Urdupilleta gets them into Springbok territory.

But they cough the ball up! One last chance for the Boks now, starting from halfway.

And it is a TRY! Good hands down the right from Mapimpi, Moodie and De Klerk, with Kurt-Lee Arendse in support for the run-in. A good way to finish for South Africa. Conversion added by Steyn and that’s that.

South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:14 , Luke Baker

79 mins - Throw-in not straight by Creevy, so it’s a free-kick for South Africa. A scrum in a central position that should drain the clock a bit more. The Boks are going to win this but come up short of the Rugby Championship title

South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:13 , Luke Baker

78 mins - Ugly scrum but Argentina do somehow get the ball out as the scrum collapses. That could easily have gone against the Pumas but the referee determines South Africa are at fault. Pumas pump the ball clear to halfway.

South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:11 , Luke Baker

77 mins - Firm defence by Argentina and De Klerk punished for a knock-on at the breakdown, although there was an Argentine body on his side of the ruck. Referee deems he’s doing everything he can to get out of the way, so it’s De Klerk’s nudge forward that gets punished.

Argentina scrum in their own 22 which, to be fair, isn’t a lot of fun against the Springbok front row.

South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:10 , Luke Baker

76 mins - Into the final five minutes and the Springboks now have 15 men again as De Klerk’s sin-bin ends.

Another driving maul from the lineout makes good ground into the 22. They keep it up the jumper with the forwards before Steyn tries to make a dart through. Repelled. SA reset.

South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:08 , Luke Baker

75 mins - Argentina gamely come forward again but good defence by South Africa, halting them around halfway.

The Pumas earn the scrum but they’re going backwards and it’s a Springboks penalty. The Bomb Squad doing their thing off the bench. IT’s been an area of domination for the hosts today

TRY! South Africa 31-21 Argentina

18:04 , Luke Baker

72 mins - Etzebeth immediately carrying the ball and he is dangerously tackled in the 22. South Africa penalty, kicked to the corner.

Great driving maul, headed for the line and it’s brought down so that’s a penalty try! Huge for the Springboks.

Joel Sclavi also gets a YELLOW CARD for his collapsing, so it’s 14 vs 14 now. And De Klerk will return before the end of the game, whereas Sclavi won’t

South Africa 24-21 Argentina

18:02 , Luke Baker

70 mins - South Africa trying to eat some clock so they at least return to 14 men with Etzebeth’s sin-bin ending. They do a good job around midfield and then win a penalty for a high tackle on Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Etzebeth back in the game so just the one-man disadvantage for the Boks.

TRY! South Africa 24-21 Argentina

18:00 , Luke Baker

68 mins - Good defence by South Africa but there’s a bit of room on the right and Argentina are five metres away.

Mallia steps between two defenders but he’s stopped short. Not to worry though, men on the overlap on the left, a miss pass finds Matias Moroni and he has a simple jog over the line.

It’s a tricky conversion from near the left touchline and Boffelli curls it in. Three points the difference in Durban...

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:58 , Luke Baker

66 mins - A seventh straight penalty against South Africa and the referee is losing patience. He tells Siya Kolisi he’s happy to keep binning players unless they improve their discipline.

It’s 13 vs 15 for the next 3 or 4 minutes and the Pumas kick to the corner. Can they get this over the line?

YELLOW CARD! South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:57 , Luke Baker

65 mins - Dangerous competing in the lineout sees South Africa get pinged which gives Argentina another platform to build from.

Into the 22 and yet another penalty comes from a collapsed maul. Faf de Klerk penalised and sees yellow for his troubles. 10 minutes in the sin bin, where he joins Etzebeth. So it’s currently 13 vs 14 but De La Fuente will soon be returning for the Pumas to make it 13 vs 15.

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:53 , Luke Baker

62 mins - Penalty kicked to touch and Argentina drive towards the line. A big mass of bodies gets it over the line but no way that ball is able to be grounded through the load of humanity. Goal-line dropout for South Africa and Faf de Klerk, who ahs just come on, boots it up to halfway

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:52 , Luke Baker

60 mins - So close to an Argentina try! With a penalty coming, they go to the right, Urdapilleta goes for the line and is stopped inches short. Delguy then does likewise and can’t quite get the offload out, so is also stopped.

Millimetres away and we come back for the penalty.

YELLOW CARD! South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:51 , Luke Baker

59 mins - Interesting. During the break in play, the TMO checks a replay and Eben Etzebeth is yellow carded for pushing Gonzalez into another Argentine player, that causes the leaping Boffelli to land dangerously. 10 minutes in the sin-bin - that’s harsh to be honest.

14 vs 14 men now, although the Pumas will be restored to 15 in 5 minutes’ time

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:48 , Luke Baker

59 mins - Concerns for Argentina as Matias Alemanno is down and receiving treatment. Looks like they’re checking his knee, let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

Incidentally, the conditions are worsening in Durban. The rain has picked up and the wind is swirling.

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:45 , Luke Baker

58 mins - Argentina run some phases in the South Africa 22 but turn the ball over and the Boks can clear.

South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:42 , Luke Baker

56 mins - That was a blow for Argentina but they battle back, earn a penalty in midfield and kick to touch in the Springbok 22. Will their man disadvantage prove a hindrance?

TRY! South Africa 24-14 Argentina

17:40 , Luke Baker

55 mins - Great driving maul, edging inexorably towards the Pumas line, brought down and that’s a PENALTY TRY! Cynically collapsed by Argentina and the ref raises his arm.

YELLOW CARD for Jeronimo de la Fuente for the collapse so Argentina will be down to 14 men for the next 10 mins.

South Africa 17-14 Argentina

17:39 , Luke Baker

53 mins - Another dominant Springbok scrum and they can kick to the corner. Great platform and a chance to take back control of this game.

South Africa 17-14 Argentina

17:33 , Luke Baker

50 mins - Steyn using his body as a battering ram. Fair to say, at 112kg, he’s not your traditional fly-half and he barrels into Guido Petti, sending the big man backwards! Love it!

Argentina on the attack though and have a platform in the Springbok 22 but the ball is turned over. Good breakdown work by the Boks to get the penalty.

TRY! South Africa 17-14 Argentina

17:29 , Luke Baker

47 mins - Argentina have really upped the tempo after the break and they get their reward! What a TRY by Juan Martin Gonzalez. He’s a flanker but down the blindside, he steps Willie le Roux, completely selling him the dummy and races in for the score. Sublime footwork!

Tricky conversion out wide on the left for Boffelli but his effort flies straight through the middle. Pumas within three points

South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:26 , Luke Baker

46 mins - Argentina spread left as Mallia finds Imhoff with a long pass. He cuts inside and get the Pumas into the 22. The attack comes to a stop when Sclavi is pinged for continuing to play when held on the floor.

South Africa kick towards halfway and they finally have a platform for some second-half ball.

South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:23 , Luke Baker

44 mins - Good composure from Mapimpi as he deals with a Carreras kick that hits the turf. He gathers in his own in-goal area, feeds Steyn and the fly-half boots a long touch.

Argentina have had the better of the opening exchanges in this second period though.

South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:22 , Luke Baker

42 mins - Argentina on the attack early in the second half. They secure a five-metre lineout and try to score down the blindside but a foot in touch denies them. Good cover defence from the Springboks.

KICK-OFF! South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:20 , Luke Baker

41 mins - Back underway in Durban. South Africa need a miracle to nick the Rugby Championship title but Argentina will fancy their chances of winning this Test still.

HALF-TIME! South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:05 , Luke Baker

That Lavanini try on the stroke of half-time was unexpected but South Africa are still in control of this Test match. Their chance of winning the Rugby Championship is dwindling though.

Winning by 40 points is looking like a tall task from here.

TRY! South Africa 17-7 Argentina

17:03 , Luke Baker

40 mins - A final chance for Argentina - restored to 15 men with the return of Gonzalez - before half-time. They get ball in the South African half and a Carreraskick into the 22 causes havoc.

No-one can claim it, eventually Gonzalez gets on it and recycles with an offload to Carreras. Tomas Lavanini then picks up at the base and dives over to the right of the ruck, stretching out for the TRY! A well-taken conversion by Carreras narrows the gap to 10.

Out of nowhere but the Pumas are back in it.

PENALTY! South Africa 17-0 Argentina

17:00 , Luke Baker

38 mins - South Africa actually point to the posts from that long-range penalty. Luckily they’ve got Frans Steyn, perhaps the premier long penalty kick in rugby history. He bangs it between the posts no bother to extend the lead.

South Africa 14-0 Argentina

16:59 , Luke Baker

37 mins - Argentina try and angled kick through but it’s too long for Moroni to have any real chance of claiming down the left clank. He gamely slides but it’s out for a Springbok lineout.

A Hendrickse box kick is contested and although Argentina come down with it, Bertranou gets caught isolated at the breakdown and Wiese gets over the top for a penalty. Good work by the No 8.

South Africa 14-0 Argentina

16:56 , Luke Baker

34 mins - Argentina try to run a couple of phases around the five-metre line but South African defence is disciplined and then the Pumas are pinged for crossing.

Boks clear towards halfway but then penalised for not being straight at the lineout. Scrum Argentina on the ten-metre line inside the home half.

South Africa 14-0 Argentina

16:54 , Luke Baker

32 mins - Messy lineout but Montoya collects the loose ball and carries forward. Another penalty for Argentina and another kick to the corner.

South Africa 14-0 Argentina

16:53 , Luke Baker

30 mins - Matera ultimately does come off, with Guido Petti replacing him. Huge loss for the Pumas. Joel Sclavi also on at prop for Eduardo Bello.

Argentina have a spell of possession here though as they go through a couple of phases in Boks territory. They win the penalty and kick into the 22 for the lineout. They’re still down to 14 men with Gonzalez in the sin-bin, remember.

TRY! South Africa 14-0 Argentina

16:50 , Luke Baker

28 mins - Again, good maul defence initially by Argentina but Siya Kolisi sneaks through from the back and dots down for a second Springbok try!

Good work by the skipper and Steyn’s conversion from out wide is good. 14-0. They’re edging closer to that 40-point margin.

South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:49 , Luke Baker

28 mins - Pablo Matera has been down receiving treatment for a while and looks woozy. He’s holding a towel to his head. He’s allowed to continue though.

We’ll have that South Africa penalty when we restart. Kicked to the corner.

South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:46 , Luke Baker

28 mins - A couple of phases after the lineout, Hendrickse darts for the line and is stopped millimetres short. Le Roux then gets low and tries to wriggle over but he’s held up on the line.

Another Springbok penalty. The second try is coming...

YELLOW CARD! South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:44 , Luke Baker

27 mins - Well that didn’t last long... As soon as they’re back to 15, the Pumas are down to 14 men again. Juan Martin Gonzalez the fall-guy for repeated Argentine infringements as he commits another in the 22 and gets sent tot he sin-bin.

Five-metre lineout for the hosts...

South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:43 , Luke Baker

26mins - The scrum really is one-way traffic here. Argentina have the put-in near halfway but get overpowered and give away the penalty. Sarcastic cheers ring round the stadium when it’s Le Roux who kicks to touch, not Steyn. Harsh but fair...

Kremer back on the field as his 10 minutes in the bin is up, so we’re 15 vs 15 again.

South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:41 , Luke Baker

23 mins - Ball goes loose as a De Allende pass hits the deck and it’s hacked on by Bertranou. Consternation in the SA 22 as Willie le Roux slides to collect and appears to knock on but not spotted by the ref. Argentina then off their feet at the ruck, so the Boks can clear (Steyn does find touch this time)

South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:39 , Luke Baker

22 mins - Sliced clearance by Steyn but no real damage done and South Africa win a scrum in midfield. They are dominating this facet and duly win a penalty.

Ah... For the third time this game, Steyn misses touch. There is swirling wind and Steyn hasn’t started a Test at fly-half since 2008 but South Africa simply can’t afford those sort of errors.

TRY! South Africa 7-0 Argentina

16:36 , Luke Baker

19 mins - Pre-engage first time round, so we get a reset. Twas ever thus at scrum-time.

Legs churning, South Africa scrum going forward and it’s a TRY! Pushed all the way over the line and Jasper Wiese touches down with one hand at the back. Simple stuff and the simple conversion is added.

South Africa on their way.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:34 , Luke Baker

18 mins - They do go scrum. This is the set-piece they’ve dominated so far. Will the Pumas dam burst?

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:33 , Luke Baker

17 mins - Ok, can this man advantage help South Africa finally get the first points on the board? Lineout secured by Etzebeth, the drive is on.

Stalls so Boks go into the loose where De Allende churns his legs to make good yards. Up to the five-metre line... Good scramble defence by Argentina but we’re back for an offside penalty. Pumas are warned that the next one is another sin-binning. This penalty is fairly central, I’d consider a scrum if I were the South Africans.

YELLOW CARD! South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:29 , Luke Baker

15 mins - The basics are being done so poorly here. From the 22 drop-out, the Pumas kick out on the full, so we’re back for a South Africa scrum on the 22. Deary me...

Nice scrum by South Africa. Ball secured and Marcos Kremer comes round prematurely to try to disrupt. 10 minutes in the sin bin and the Pumas down to 14. Back to the corner we go by the way.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:27 , Luke Baker

14 mins - Territory and possession has been all Springboks so far but the execution in the red zone has been poor. They come again but scrappily spill the ball backwards a couple of times.

Penalty coming for offside though. Kick to the corner and South Africa need a better plan of how to convert this time. Oh dear! We won’t find out if they do as Steyn misses touch - it’s too straight and flies dead. 22 drop out Argentina. Ooof.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:25 , Luke Baker

13 mins - Good maul defence from the Pumas, so the Boks take it in the loose. But that’s a brilliant turnover from Montoya! He gets his hands cleanly on the ball at the breakdown and pinches it back.

Argentina clear. Superb from the hooker.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:24 , Luke Baker

12 mins - Argentina clear their lines but the ball is coming straight back as the Boks run a couple of phases, win a penalty and kick to the corner. Here we go again!

NO TRY! South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:21 , Luke Baker

10 mins - Another at the breakdown, so back to the corner South Africa go. They have to go for tries over kicked points today.

The maul is stopped but Eben Etzebeth rolls and sneaks over in the corner and it looks like South Africa have their first try! Checking with the TMO but on-field decision is try.

It’s overturned though. Etzebeth is in front of Siya Kolisi when he rips the ball from his skipper and the ref deems there is separation between the two, rather than them being part of the same maul, thus he’s offside. Tight call but a correct one.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:19 , Luke Baker

9 mins - Damian de Allende now down for South Africa but he’s back on his feet and seems to have shaken it off. Big boot from Steyn to find touch on the Argentina 22 and this is a platform for the Boks to build from the lineout.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:18 , Luke Baker

8mins - Argentine prop Eduardo Bello getting some treatment after taking a stray boot to the face on the floor. No harm done though, just a quick clean-up operation.

The scrum battle will be interesting today - these are two fearsome packs. Solid form the Boks just inside their own half and they win a penalty advantage, which we come back for when Moodie is pushed into touch on the right flank.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:16 , Luke Baker

7 mins - Enterprising play from Argentina, as a cross-field kick from a lineout comes back on the Pumas side in the 22. Good covering defence from Canan Moodie and then Jaden Hendrikse drag the Pumas into touch.

Malcolm Marx then brilliantly steals the ball at the breakdown to allow South Africa to exit when Argentina attack again. Frenetic stuff so far.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:14 , Luke Baker

5 mins - Argentina with the ball but a low pass is spilt by Carreras. Scrum for the Boks.

South Africa build and come streaming forward. De Allende breaks towards the Pumas 22 but misses a chance for the offload, then gets back to his feet after being tackled, so it’s a penalty and Argentina clear.

South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:11 , Luke Baker

2 mins - Early lineout for South Africa in their own half and Malcolm Marx is up to the task. Safely secured. Lavanini collapses a maul to give the Springboks a penalty but they miss touch. Scrappy opening here.

To continue that a Steyn clearance is then charged down by the face of an Argentine player and rolls out for a goal-line drop out.

KICK-OFF! South Africa 0-0 Argentina

16:08 , Luke Baker

1 min - Underway in Durban. Can South Africa do the unthinkable? Frans Steyn - a man who hasn’t started a Test at fly-half since 2008 - kicks us off.

South Africa vs Argentina

16:05 , Luke Baker

Kings Park Stadium is full to capacity for this final match of the 2022 Rugby Championship. The Springbok fans have turned out in force, hiping to watch their side nick the title away from New Zealand.

As a reminder, they need a 40-point victory over the Pumas to make that happen. They also need to make sure they get a try-scoring bonus point (for scoring three more tries than Argentina) but that’s a fait accompli if they win the match by 40 points anyway.

Anthems completed and kick-off is imminent.

Springboks in the house

16:02 , Luke Baker

Not long until kick-off in Durban and the Springboks are in the house.

Rugby Championship: What happens if all four teams finish level and how is the winner decided?

15:58 , Luke Baker

It is conceivable, however unlikely, that all four teams in the Rugby Championship could finish on 14 points following this weekend’s final round of fixtures in the closely-fought battle for supremacy in the southern hemisphere.

It is more probable two sides will lead the log, but either way what are the competition rules on separating teams?

New Zealand and South Africa currently sit top of the table with 14 points, followed by Australia (10) and Argentina (9).

The Wallabies travel to Auckland to face New Zealand on Saturday, after which South Africa host Argentina in Durban, when they will know exactly what is required to lift the trophy.

Rugby Championship: What happens if teams finish level and how is winner decided?

New Zealand thrash Australia to put one hand on Rugby Championship trophy

15:49 , Luke Baker

New Zealand allowed no room for controversy on Saturday by beating Australia 40-14 at Eden Park, extending their winning streak at Eden Park into a 29th year and moving clear atop the Rugby Championship table.

World champions South Africa still have a chance to take the title later on Saturday but will need to beat Argentina in Durban with a bonus point, and by more than 39 points, to prevent the All Blacks retaining their crown.

The first match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Melbourne 10 days ago was made contentious by late time-wasting against Australia that gave New Zealand a scrum from which they scored the winning try.

This time there was no such talking point. The All Blacks scored two tries, including a penalty try, to lead 17-0 by half-time and added three more tries in the second half as Australia paid a heavy price for a lack of discipline.

The Wallabies lost two players to the sin-bin in the first half and conceded the penalty try at a collapsed maul. They have been the most penalised team in the Rugby Championship this season and continued in that vein, allowing passion to rule at times when cool heads were needed.

New Zealand thrash Australia to put one hand on Rugby Championship trophy

Siya Kolisi praises South Africa after crucial bonus-point win over Argentina

15:40 , Luke Baker

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi believes the only thing that has changed in his side’s game following back-to-back Rugby Championship wins over Australia and Argentina is their execution in the opponents 22.

The Springboks scored five tries to secure a crucial bonus-point 36-20 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday and draw level with New Zealand on 14 points at the top of the table to keep alive their hopes of regaining the title they last won in 2019.

The 2022 season had been characterised by a lack of composure and precision in attack, something coach Jacques Nienaber has repeatedly highlighted. But their 24-8 win over the Wallabies in Sydney and their victory this weekend suggest improvements have been made in both areas.

“Nothing has changed in the way we play, it is just about executing,” Kolisi told reporters. “If we stick to the plan, we know our system will give us these opportunities to score. In the past couple of games we have taken those chances.

“Our mindset was to come here and get maximum points. We want to win the Rugby Championship and knew we had to pitch up for the game. It was a very good win against a very good Argentina side.”

Is South Africa vs Argentina on TV? Kick-off time and channel for Rugby Championship fixture

15:25 , Luke Baker

South Africa host Argentina in their final Rugby Championship match with everything still to play for. Heading into the final round, New Zealand sat on top of the table on points difference as South Africa closely followed them with Argentina and Australia on the chase.

The All Blacks’ big 40-14 victory over Wallabies earlier on Saturday means that the Springboks must win by 40 points to snatch the title away from New Zealand.

Last week the Springboks beat Argentina in their own back yard 36-20 and they will be hoping for an even bigger win at home. A concern for South Africa comes in their lack of a fly-half with Handre Pollard injured, Damian Willemse concussed and Elton Janjties out due to mental health reasons.

“It would have been nice to pick Elton, but mental health is a big thing,” said coach Jacques Nienaber. “There would have been too much external pressure on him and from a perspective of humanity, it would have been unfair to bring him back. Elton would have been under too much pressure, and with us the human side comes first.”

The situation sees South Africa turn to Frans Steyn, an experienced player but one who hasn’t started a Test in the No 10 jersey since 2008. But who else lines up for the teams? Here’s all you need to know.

TV channel and kick-off time for South Africa vs Argentina

Argentina team news

15:13 , Luke Baker

Argentina make two backline changes to their team, with coach Michael Cheika resisting wholesale changes despite losing at home to the Springboks last Saturday.

Juan Imhoff comes in on the wing in place of Lucio Cinti while Matias Moroni replaces Matias Orlando at centre.

Argentina: 15 Juan Cruz Mallia; 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11 Juan Imhoff; 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou; 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Julian Montoya, 3 Eduardo Bello; 4 Matias Alemanno, 5 Tomas Lavanini; 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Pablo Matera.

Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Pedro Rubiolo, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 23 Bautista Delguy.

South Africa team news

15:00 , Luke Baker

South Africa make two changes from their win over Argentina with Frans Steyn in at fly-half and Pieter-Steph du Toit coming in at flanker.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux; 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Frans Steyn, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 1 Steven Kitshoff, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Duane Vermeulen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Pumas seeking revenge

14:51 , Luke Baker

As Argentina travel to South Africa in the Rugby Championship, Michael Cheika’s side will be seeking revenge.

Last week the Springboks beat Argentina in their own back yard 36-20 and Cheika says it was a poor first half that cost them.

“The first half is one of the worst I remember, we conceded many penalties,” Cheika said. “In the second, we got into the game. It was a missed opportunity, but I will go to South Africa with these same players.

“We were able to gain contact and settle down (in the second half). I think we became strong at times and went back to the basics, to tackle hard.”

South Africa vs Argentina

14:37 , Luke Baker

South Africa rugby host Argentina rugby in their final Rugby Championship match with everything still to play for. Heading into the final round, New Zealand sat on top of the table on points difference as South Africa closely followed them with Argentina and Australia on the chase.

The All Blacks’ big 40-14 victory over Wallabies earlier on Saturday means that the Springboks must win by 40 points to snatch the title away from New Zealand.

Last week the Springboks beat Argentina in their own back yard 36-20 and they will be hoping for an even bigger win at home. A concern for South Africa comes in their lack of a fly-half with Handre Pollard injured, Damian Willemse concussed and Elton Janjties out due to mental health reasons.

“It would have been nice to pick Elton, but mental health is a big thing,” said coach Jacques Nienaber. “There would have been too much external pressure on him and from a perspective of humanity, it would have been unfair to bring him back. Elton would have been under too much pressure, and with us the human side comes first.”

The situation sees South Africa turn to Frans Steyn, an experienced player but one who hasn’t started a Test in the No 10 jersey since 2008.

South Africa vs Argentina

14:22 , Luke Baker

So, we turn our attention to South Africa vs Argentina. Kick-off in Durban is at 4.05pm BST as the Springboks look for a truly remarkable result to snatch the title away from New Zealand.

New Zealand thrash Australia to put one hand on Rugby Championship trophy

10:42 , Luke Baker

New Zealand allowed no room for controversy on Saturday by beating Australia 40-14 at Eden Park, extending their winning streak at Eden Park into a 29th year and moving clear atop the Rugby Championship table.

World champions South Africa still have a chance to take the title later on Saturday but will need to beat Argentina in Durban with a bonus point, and by more than 39 points, to prevent the All Blacks retaining their crown.

The first match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Melbourne 10 days ago was made contentious by late time-wasting against Australia that gave New Zealand a scrum from which they scored the winning try.

This time there was no such talking point. The All Blacks scored two tries, including a penalty try, to lead 17-0 by half-time and added three more tries in the second half as Australia paid a heavy price for a lack of discipline.

The Wallabies lost two players to the sin-bin in the first half and conceded the penalty try at a collapsed maul. They have been the most penalised team in the Rugby Championship this season and continued in that vein, allowing passion to rule at times when cool heads were needed.

New Zealand thrash Australia to put one hand on Rugby Championship trophy

New Zealand 40-14 Australia

10:07 , Luke Baker

So to clarify, South Africa will need to beat Argentina by 40 points later on to snatch the Rugby Championship away from the All Blacks. Stranger things have happened but that’s a big ask...

New Zealanders will become Pumas fans for a few hours.

That game kicks off at 4.05pm BST and we’ll be covering every second of it.

FULL-TIME! New Zealand 40-14 Australia

10:04 , Luke Baker

And that’s all over! Too easy for New Zealand who dominated and extend their remarkable Eden Park record. The Wallabies haven’t won here since 1986.

They scored three more tries than their opponents to seal the try bonus point and the margin of victory makes things tough for South Africa later as they look to snatch the Rugby Championship title away

TRY! New Zealand 40-14 Australia

10:03 , Luke Baker

80 mins - Lineout sets up the driving maul. Bell’s carry takes them to a couple of metres out and it’s spread left where Koroibete comes back inside with a powerful carry.

On the 10th phase Jordan Petaia comes hard on crash ball and bursts over the line. Late consolation for Australia. Conversion easily added from bang in front

New Zealand 40-7 Australia

10:01 , Luke Baker

79 mins - Solid All Black defence, keeping Australia at arm’s length although they play the ball on the ground. Kick to the corner and Australia can have the last word at least. A lineout just outside of five metres.

New Zealand 40-7 Australia

10:00 , Luke Baker

78 mins - The All Blacks have played well but Australia have been desperately poor. The architects of their own downfall at times.

Final stages at Eden Park. Decent runs by Hodge and Wright take the Wallabies up to halfway.

PENALTY! New Zealand 40-7 Australia

09:58 , Luke Baker

76 mins - The All Blacks earn another penalty, in front of the posts and about five metres outside the 22. No problem for Richie Mo’unga, who slots it. 40 up for the All Blacks

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:55 , Luke Baker

75 mins - New Zealand flip the field with a series of carries in the blink of an eye. Caleb Clarke puts Tom Wright on the grass with a brutal carry, nifty footwork by Savea and Jordie Barrett then punches into the Wallabies 22.

Australia steal it and Petaia into touch. It’s definitely got scrappier as the match has gone on but it’s entertaining stuff

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:54 , Luke Baker

74 mins - Into the All Black 22 and Pete Samu carries off the back of the lineout, taking them inside five metres. Oh dear, turned over, Sevu Reece jackaling the ball and the All Blacks can build from deep.

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:52 , Luke Baker

72 mins - OOOOOF! Huge hit by Sevu Reece on Reece Hodge - an absolute crash of bodies. Hodge does well to retain possession and the Wallabies win a penalty shortly after but miss touch with the kick.

This has become very stop-start. When Australia win another penalty, they do find touch this time.

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:51 , Luke Baker

70 mins - Poor basic skills by the Wallabies as Foley knocks on in a Jordie Barrett tackle to see their platform evaporate.

The scrum on halfway is won but Mo’unga’s slightly aimless kick is collected by Hodge who booms a response into All Black territory

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:49 , Luke Baker

69 mins - A rare bit of Wallabies success at the scrum as they battle hard and win the penalty. A big clearance kick and they’ll have a lineout near halfway

New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:47 , Luke Baker

67 mins - A foot-race as the All Blacks kick through but the Wallabies defence just about covers and gets to the ball first in the in-goal area.

Koroibete deemed to knock on in the process though, so it’s an All Blacks scrum five metres out. They’ve completely dominated at scrum-time today

TRY! New Zealand 37-7 Australia

09:44 , Luke Baker

64 mins - Solid lineout, Australia stop the first maul but New Zealand get it moving again and Samisoni Taukei’aho drops over the line for the simple try. He came on for Codie Taylor and matches the starting hooker for style of try.

Mo’unga’s conversion attempt drifts just wide.

New Zealand 32-7 Australia

09:43 , Luke Baker

63 mins - New Zealand pour forward again and although they concede a scrum on the Australia five-metre line, the Wallabies make a mess of it.

The ball squirts out, it’s knocked on and Australia give away a pennlty for good measure. Kicked to the corner.

TRY! New Zealand 32-7 Australia

09:39 , Luke Baker

59 mins - Out of nowhere, the Wallabies have a try! They charge down an attempted clearance kick, it’s collected by Samu just outside the 22 who produces a brilliant offload inside as he’s being driven into tough which replacement hooker Folau Fainga’a - only just on the field - catches and rumbles over.

Good battling by the Aussies and the conversion from Foley is good.

New Zealand 32-0 Australia

09:36 , Luke Baker

57 mins - Good lineout although the maul is well defended by the All Blacks. Great work by Brodie Retallick to slow things down and he wins the turnover! Just brute strength. Another chance slips away for Australia.

New Zealand 32-0 Australia

09:35 , Luke Baker

56 mins - A decent attacking platform for Australia as they win a penalty in All Blacks territory and kick into the 22. They won’t want to end with a goose egg on the scoreboard.

TRY! New Zealand 32-0 Australia

09:33 , Luke Baker

53 mins - Lineout good this time. Inexorable driving maul towards the line and they’re over! Codie Taylor, who has had a great game, directing traffic from the back and he dots down. Simple stuff.

Mo’unga’s conversion from relatively wide is no good but this is still in danger of turning into a rout.

New Zealand 27-0 Australia

09:30 , Luke Baker

52 mins - Or not... Not straight at the lineout and it’s a Wallabies free-kick in their own 22. They opt for the scrum. Ah, but they’re outscrummaged again and get pinged.

Another NZ penalty, another kick to the corner

New Zealand 27-0 Australia

09:29 , Luke Baker

50 mins - The game has got a bit scrappy with the ball bouncing around in the loose. Eventually the All Blacks get over the ball at a breakdown to win the penalty and kick to the corner. Lineout drive incoming you’d think...

PENALTY! New Zealand 27-0 Australia

09:26 , Luke Baker

46 mins - New Zealand go for the posts and Richie Mo’unga makes no mistake from the tee. The All Black focus now will be ensuring they seal the bonus point (for scoring three more tries than Australia) and racking up the points difference to make South Africa’s job against Argentina later all the tougher.

New Zealand 24-0 Australia

09:24 , Luke Baker

45 mins - That might just break the back of the Australia resistance. All Blacks eating up ground now, Caleb Clarke with a powerful run, taking defenders with him, before a neat Smith offload frees Ioane.

Into the 22 - Lomax crashes up into a defender and then we come back for an All Blacks penalty.

TRY! New Zealand 24-0 Australia

09:21 , Luke Baker

43 mins - This is a bizarre one. Sam Whitelock burrows over the line from close range. There’s a defender underneath him holding him up but it looks like he’s managed to reach back with the ball in one of his big hands and dot down behind him for a remarkable try. It appears that the ball is lost but on closer look, he seems to always have control of it in one hand.

Long TMO review and, importantly, the on-field decision was try. It does indeed stay a try. Remarkable! Brilliant by Whitelock to keep control of that! Mo’unga’s conversion and this has got away from the Wallabies.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

09:18 , Luke Baker

42 mins - Early pressure is all New Zealand as they win a scrum and set a platform in the Australia 22. Through the phases and they’re only a few metres away now

KICK-OFF! New Zealand 17-0 Australia

09:17 , Luke Baker

41 mins - Back underway in the second half

HALF-TIME! New Zealand 17-0 Australia

09:00 , Luke Baker

40 mins - All Blacks try a kick over the top but collected by the Wallabies and that’s half-time.

A good half for New Zealand who are in control here thanks to a Will Jordan score and a penalty try.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:58 , Luke Baker

39 mins - Good hands by Caleb Clarke to collect the ball as the All Blacks press. Great interception by Foley on the right flank though and he makes some ground before trying to kick ahead.

All Blacks scramble back, and find turf with the return kick. Kellaway then kicks to touch to end the mania. One more chance for the All Blacks before HT.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:55 , Luke Baker

37 mins - Nice run by Codie Taylor after collecting a loose ball, moves the All Blacks into the Aussie half. Good carry by Jordan who skins a couple of defenders and he offloads to Aaron Smith who is tackled from behind but the Wallabies scrambling here.

Great rucking by Pete Samu in his own 22! He gets over the top and gets his hands on the ball to win a penalty. Australia survive for now.

Porecki about to re-enter the fray and make it 15 vs 15 just before half-time.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:53 , Luke Baker

35 mins - New Zealand hold firm again as they repel the Australia advance and clear their lines. Great work by the All Blacks to hold the visitors scoreless.

Wallabies find themselves back in their own territory but a free-kick allows them to flip field position.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:49 , Luke Baker

32 mins - Another platform for the Aussies to build. Huge, battering carry by Harry Wilson makes ground and they win another penalty. Back to the corner

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:49 , Luke Baker

31 mins - Tap and go. Wallabies knocking on the door. Powerful carries from the forwards but great defence by NZ and it’s held up over the line! Goal-line dropout for the All Blacks.

New Zealand 17-0 Australia

08:47 , Luke Baker

29 mins - Australia hit straight back. Going through the phases and it looks like they’ve scored in the corner with Koroibete touching down after the ball goes through quick hands.

TMO review shows the Wallabies winger has a foot in touch though. We come back for a Wallabies penalty instead.

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