In a match that will be talked about for years to come, South Africa delivered a rugby masterclass to thrash Argentina 67-30 at Kings Park in Durban on September 27, 2025, taking a major step toward defending their Rugby Championship crown. The Springboks, four-time world champions and favorites on home turf, put on a scintillating second-half display, scoring nine tries and breaking records along the way as they surged to the top of the Championship table.
The atmosphere at Kings Park was electric from the outset, with South Africa knowing that only a loss could surrender their top spot in the World Rugby Rankings to Ireland. The stakes were high, and the Springboks responded with a performance that combined power, pace, and precision. Captain Siya Kolisi had set the tone before the game, describing the clash as "basically a semi-final" and emphasizing, "For us, it's not about putting on a show. We are playing test rugby and this match is basically a semi-final. The focus is on getting the desired result."
The first half was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows and the lead changing hands multiple times. South Africa struck first, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu slotting an early penalty after the Springbok pack flexed their muscles at scrum time. Argentina responded through the boot of Santiago Carreras, who kept the scoreboard ticking with his reliable kicking, punishing South African ill-discipline.
But the game truly came alive in the final ten minutes of the opening half. A moment of madness from Cheslin Kolbe gifted Argentina a try when he attempted a risky drop-kick at a goal-line dropout, only for Santiago Chocobares to pounce and score. The Pumas took the lead, and Kings Park fell into a stunned silence. Yet, the Springboks refused to panic. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu responded almost immediately, chasing down his own kick for an impressive try and then dancing past defenders for another just before the break. By halftime, South Africa had edged ahead 25-23, setting up a second half brimming with anticipation.
The second half, however, belonged entirely to the Springboks. Despite being temporarily reduced to 14 men after Malcolm Marx was shown a yellow card for collapsing a maul, South Africa's attacking flair could not be contained. Kolbe, seeking redemption for his earlier error, finished off a beautiful move to score in the 43rd minute after a pinpoint kick-pass from Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The fly half was having the game of his life, orchestrating the attack and dazzling the crowd with every touch.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu's performance was nothing short of sensational. He completed his hat-trick with an audacious dummy in the 52nd minute, leaving the Argentina defense floundering. By the end of the match, he had tallied 37 points—breaking the legendary Percy Montgomery's Springbok single-game record of 35 points. Every time he touched the ball, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, and his name is sure to be remembered as one of the game's brightest young stars.
Argentina, to their credit, kept fighting. Tomas Albornoz finished off a slick move to keep the Pumas within striking distance, and a penalty try awarded in the first half had earlier given them hope. But South Africa's relentless pressure and depth off the bench proved too much. Morne van den Berg and Manie Libbok each added tries in the final quarter, with Libbok's solo effort—slipping through defenders and chipping over the top—drawing gasps from the crowd.
Pieter-Steph du Toit was another standout, scoring two tries including one in the dying moments to cap off the Springboks' ninth try of the match. The forwards dominated the collisions and set the platform for the backs to run riot, while the versatility within the squad—highlighted by late changes and players covering multiple positions—once again paid dividends for head coach Rassie Erasmus.
The match was not without its somber moments. Argentina scrum half Gonzalo Garcia suffered a serious neck injury late in the game, requiring extensive medical attention on the field. Both teams and the crowd waited anxiously as he was carefully stretchered off, a stark reminder of the physical nature of test rugby. The thoughts of the rugby world will remain with Garcia as he begins his recovery.
With this emphatic victory, South Africa moved to 15 points at the top of the Rugby Championship table, one ahead of arch-rivals New Zealand. The equation is now simple: if the Springboks secure another bonus-point win over Argentina next weekend at Twickenham, they will not only defend their title but also claim back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns for the first time in their illustrious history. The stakes could not be higher, and the rugby world will be watching.
For Argentina, the defeat was a harsh lesson but not without positives. Santiago Carreras, continuing at fly half, showed composure and will look to bounce back in London. Head coach Felipe Contepomi will be keen to address the defensive lapses that allowed South Africa to run rampant, but he will also draw on the fighting spirit his team showed in patches throughout the contest.
Team news ahead of the match had already set the stage for a fascinating encounter. South Africa welcomed back lock Eben Etzebeth, while injuries prompted a backline reshuffle that saw Damian Willemse move to full-back and Damian de Allende partner Canan Moodie in the centers. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who had gone off early in the previous match, was fit to start and seized his opportunity in spectacular fashion. For Argentina, Contepomi made three changes to the pack, bringing in Pablo Matera, Franco Molina, and Lucas Paulos, with Santiago Carreras steering the ship at No. 10.
As the dust settles on a remarkable afternoon in Durban, Springbok fans can savor a performance for the ages. The team showed resilience to bounce back from adversity, attacking verve to thrill the crowd, and a collective determination to stay on top of the world. With one final hurdle remaining, the dream of consecutive Rugby Championship titles is tantalizingly close.
All eyes now turn to Twickenham, where South Africa and Argentina will do battle once more. If the Springboks can replicate this level of performance, history beckons. For now, Durban celebrates a famous victory and a Springbok side that continues to set the standard in international rugby.
