In a methodical and relentless display of power rugby, South Africa ground down a valiant Argentinian side to secure the Rugby Championship title. The Springboks’ victory at Twickenham was a slow-burning affair, with their superior physicality gradually taking its toll on the Pumas over 80 minutes.
This was not a game of scintillating, end-to-end action from the champions. Instead, it was a suffocating performance built on the principles of pressure and attrition. The Boks’ dominant scrum, powerful maul, and brutal defense were the tools they used to dismantle their opponents.
Argentina matched them for passion and intensity, especially in the first half, but the sheer, attritional nature of the Springboks’ game began to tell after the break. The Pumas’ energy levels visibly dropped as they were forced to make tackle after tackle and were constantly driven backward at the set piece.
This grinding approach is the hallmark of the current South African team. They are comfortable playing without the ball for long periods, confident that their defense will hold and that their set piece will eventually create scoring opportunities.
While it may not win many style points, this power game is incredibly effective, and it has now delivered back-to-back championships. It was a victory of substance over style, a testament to the enduring effectiveness of attritional, power-based rugby.