Argentina have now beaten all three Rugby Championship opponents after they triumphed over the Springboks 29-28 in Santiago. The hosts scored four tries on the day with Mateo Carreras, Pablo Matera, Joel Sclavi and Tomas Albornoz scoring with the fly-half also kicking three conversions and a penalty in an epic shift.

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.

South Africa can clinch the Rugby Championship with a game to spare this weekend. The world champion Springboks face Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

The Springboks go into next week’s match at the Mbombela Stadium with a five point lead at the top of the standings. They basically need a point to win their first Rugby Championship title since 2019.

A group still led by Pablo Matera will have to match South Africa today. The visitors are without four of their regular starting five at the back of the scrum - if Argentina can get on top of that remodelled group at the breakdown and dominate the lineout, a shock could very well be on the cards.

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.

The Springboks let a 17-point lead slip as Argentina showed their class with a superb 29-28 comeback victory in Santiago to keep the race for the Rugby Championship title alive.