Springboks claim first title in 10 years with big win
Handre Pollard scored two tries and tallied 31 points as South Africa crushed Argentina 46-13 yesterday to win the Rugby Championship for the first time.
Pollard touched down in each half and booted five penalties and three conversions to drive home the overwhelming advantage the Springboks held over the Pumas at set pieces.
His second try came when the Springboks were down to 14 men, with halfback Faf de Klerk in the sinbin for joining a ruck from the side after the visitors conceded a series of penalties near their tryline.
Argentina, who won the previous meeting between the teams, shocked South Africa with a try by winger Santiago Cordero after two minutes. The Boks responded with Pollard’s first penalty and a try by hooker Bongi Mbonambi from a lineout drive.
The lead changed three times in an exchange of penalties between Pollard and Pumas first-five Nicolas Sanchez before the Springboks edged ahead.
Pollard’s first try, just after the halftime siren, gave his side a 24-13 advantage at the break. For much of the opening half, it seemed the Springboks might squander their huge volume of possession, just as they did in the 16-16 draw with New Zealand in their previous match.
They struggled at first to use the ball effectively in outside channels, but that changed in the second half as they played with more confidence and combination, while Argentina visibly tired.
After Pollard scored his second try in the 53rd minute and outstanding handling and passing produced tries by wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe.
South Africa won the Rugby Championship title for the first time, 10 years after claiming its predecessor, the Tri-Nations Championship.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” said captain Duane Vermuelen. “It’s a nice thing for the team and a good thing going into a World Cup. We play the best teams in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s good to have this step up.”