Springboks Dominate Argentina 67-30 as Feinberg-Mngomezulu Shatters Points Record in Rugby Championship Clash
South Africa’s Springboks delivered a stunning performance in Durban on Saturday, overpowering Argentina 67-30 in a high-scoring Rugby Championship encounter that propelled them to the top of the table. Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stole the show with a record-breaking 37 points, including a hat-trick of tries, as the home side turned a tight first half into a second-half rout. This bonus-point victory sets up a thrilling final round, with the world champions now holding a slender one-point lead over New Zealand.
The match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium showcased the Springboks’ attacking flair and resilience, scoring nine tries in total while restricting the Pumas to just three plus a penalty try. It was a game that started with tense exchanges but exploded into a try-fest, delighting the home crowd and underlining South Africa’s title credentials in the 2025 tournament.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s Record-Breaking Heroics
At the heart of the Springboks’ success was the young fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who etched his name into the history books. His 37 points – from three tries, eight conversions, and two penalties – surpassed the previous Springbok record of 35 points set by retired full-back Percy Montgomery against Namibia in 2007. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s display was a mix of skill, speed, and precision, as he not only orchestrated attacks but also finished them off himself.
His first try came early, slicing through the defence after a well-worked lineout move. The second, right before half-time, proved crucial in regaining the lead after Argentina’s penalty try. In the second half, he completed his hat-trick with a darting run, showcasing why he’s seen as a rising star in South African rugby. At just 23, his performance drew praise from coach Rassie Erasmus, who highlighted his composure under pressure.
Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit also shone brightly, crossing the line twice with powerful carries that broke the Pumas’ resistance. His efforts earned him man-of-the-match honours, adding to his reputation as a workhorse in the forwards. Other try scorers included hooker Malcolm Marx, who powered over from a maul; winger Cheslin Kolbe with his trademark speed; scrum-half Morne van den Berg on a sniping break; and substitute back Manie Libbok, who added a late flourish.
Tense First Half Gives Way to Dominance
The opening 40 minutes were a far cry from the final scoreline, with Argentina twice taking a five-point lead through disciplined play and sharp penalties from fly-half Santiago Carreras. The Pumas started strongly, using box kicks and a solid defence to frustrate the hosts. Carreras slotted three penalties, while centre Santiago Chocobares dotted down after a clever chip and chase.
South Africa responded with tries from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and du Toit, but faced a setback just before the break. A collapsed maul led to a penalty try for Argentina and a yellow card for Marx, putting the visitors ahead 23-18. However, the Springboks had the last word, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s second try and conversion edging them to a 25-23 half-time lead.
The second half was all South Africa. They ramped up the pressure, dominating possession and territory to score six unanswered tries. Argentina’s defence crumbled under the onslaught, with substitute Tomas Albornoz grabbing a consolation try late on. Carreras added two conversions to his tally, but it was too little against the Springboks’ relentless attack.
Argentina’s Brave Effort Falls Short
Los Pumas showed fight in the first half, leading twice and capitalising on South Africa’s errors. Their penalty try highlighted a strong maul, and Chocobares’ score was a moment of individual brilliance. Albornoz’s late try added some respectability, but the visitors couldn’t match the hosts’ intensity after the interval.
Coach Felipe Contepomi will rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that allowed the Springboks to pull away. With nine points from five games, Argentina are out of title contention but can still play spoiler in the final round.
Updated Standings and Final Round Drama
The win gives South Africa 15 points after five rounds, edging ahead of New Zealand on 14. Australia sit on 11, while Argentina have nine. The final matches on 5 October 2025 promise edge-of-the-seat action: Australia host New Zealand in Perth, followed by Argentina facing South Africa again – this time in London at Twickenham for commercial reasons.
A bonus-point victory for the Springboks would secure their third Rugby Championship title in the current format. However, if Australia upset the All Blacks, South Africa could clinch it even without maximum points. New Zealand, fresh from a 33-24 win over Australia in Auckland, will be desperate to reclaim top spot.
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