NELSPRUIT, S.A. – The 2024 The Rugby Championship concluded with South Africa securing a decisive 48-7 victory over Argentina, clinching their first championship title since 2019. The Springboks dominated the game with standout performances from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Aphelele Fassi, each scoring two tries. The final match took place in Nelspruit, where South Africa asserted their dominance after an earlier surprise loss to Argentina in Round Five by a narrow 29-28 margin. (Sky Sports) ?(Planet Rugby).
Throughout the championship, South Africa demonstrated consistent strength, defeating Australia twice, New Zealand twice, and ultimately overcoming Argentina. In Round Six, South Africa’s emphatic win ensured they claimed the title, with additional tries from players like Cheslin Kolbe, Malcolm Marx, and Jesse Kriel contributing to the rout. (Planet Rugby).
Meanwhile, New Zealand secured their own back-to-back wins over Australia, including a 33-13 victory in the final round, which helped them solidify a strong finish in the tournament despite falling short of the overall title. (Planet Rugby).
Top Player Performances from The Rugby Championship Weekend’s Matches:
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa):
- Performance: Du Toit was instrumental in South Africa’s 48-7 win over Argentina, scoring two tries. His dominance in both attack and defense was crucial in the Springboks’ convincing win.
- Key Impact: His powerful runs and work rate around the field helped establish control, making him one of the standout players in the final match.
- Aphelele Fassi (South Africa):
- Performance: Fassi also crossed the try line twice, contributing significantly to South Africa’s seven-try victory. His speed and finishing ability were on full display, creating pressure on Argentina’s defense.
- Key Impact: Fassi’s dynamic running provided South Africa with the attacking edge, taking advantage of gaps in the Argentine line.
- Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa):
- Performance: Kolbe, known for his elusive running, scored a try and was a constant threat on the wings. His agility and pace added to the Springboks’ attacking firepower.
- Key Impact: Kolbe’s ability to break tackles and create opportunities was key to maintaining the attacking momentum throughout the match.
- Malcolm Marx (South Africa):
- Performance: Marx added his name to the scoresheet with a try, while also leading in set-piece execution. His strength in the maul and at the breakdown provided critical advantages for the Springboks.
- Key Impact: Marx’s accurate lineout throws and physicality were pivotal in securing possession and setting up attacking opportunities.
- Jesse Kriel (South Africa):
- Performance: Kriel contributed with a try and showcased solid defensive work, effectively shutting down Argentine attacks. His experience and composure in the midfield helped stabilize the Springboks’ game.
- Key Impact: Kriel’s support play and defensive reads helped South Africa dominate both in possession and territory.
- Sam Whitelock (New Zealand):
- Performance: In New Zealand’s 33-13 win over Australia, Whitelock was a standout performer in the lineout and defensive phases, securing crucial turnovers and maintaining discipline in tight areas.
- Key Impact: His leadership and experience were essential in steering the All Blacks to a strong finish in the tournament.
- Manie Libbok (South Africa) – Despite facing criticism for missed kicks in a tight loss to Argentina, Libbok showcased his attacking skills and brilliant kicking out of hand in the final match, helping the Springboks dominate Argentina and secure the title. (TheCitizen).
These players delivered outstanding performances over the weekend, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes in The Rugby Championship. South Africa’s dominant display was driven by a combination of powerful forward play and clinical finishing from their backs, while New Zealand’s experienced campaigners ensured a solid ending to their tournament.
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