Argentina kept their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive when they edged world champions South Africa 29-28 on Saturday to temporarily deny the Springboks their first title since 2019.

With a return fixture to come next week, Erasmus has rested a couple of key figures, with Siya Kolisi in the coaches’ box rather than on the pitch as he manages a facial injury. Argentina may therefore spy an opportunity to cause a shock — the hosts are full of confidence after producing a record win against Australia a fortnight ago.

With one round to go in the Rugby Championship, we run through the permutations of the final weekend with the Springboks and Argentina still in the running for the title. After defeating Australia and New Zealand twice in the opening four rounds of the tournament,

Manie Libbok’s missed penalty with a minute remaining meant that Argentina continued their excellent Rugby Championship campaign by adding a win over South Africa to their record victory over Australia and triumph in New Zealand earlier in the tournament.

Player ratings from Argentina's 2024 Rugby Championship match against the Springboks at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus refused to blame Manie Libbok for the surprise 29-28 Rugby Championship defeat in Argentina on Saturday after the flyhalf missed a kick from virtually in front of the posts to win the game.

Rassie Erasmus will make changes to his matchday 23 as the Springboks look to clinch the Rugby Championship title.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said they were hurting after their nail-biting defeat against Argentina in the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship in Santigo del Estero on Saturday night.

A late penalty could have won them the game, but South Africa can still win the title if they get one point from the return match next week.