Springboks Brace for Fierce Rugby Championship Decider Against Argentina at Twickenham

The Springboks are just one win away from making history. On Saturday, South Africa will step onto Twickenham’s hallowed turf to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship decider, with the chance to claim back-to-back titles for the first time in the competition’s history.

A Golden Chance for History

Rassie Erasmus has kept faith with the side that demolished Argentina 67-30 in Durban last week and dismantled the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington. Rare continuity in Erasmus’ selections signals just how seriously he is taking this moment.

Since the days of Nick Mallett’s unbeaten 1998 side and the all-conquering 2009 squad under Peter de Villiers, South Africa has often fallen short of following one dominant season with another. This time, the Boks have momentum and consistency on their side.

“If we get the result, it’ll be the first time we’ve ever gone back-to-back in the Championship or Tri-Nations,” Erasmus reflected earlier this week. “That’s the kind of standard we want to set.”

Mbonambi’s Warning: No Walk in the Park

Despite the hype, hooker Bongi Mbonambi has urged caution.

“If you watch last week’s game, you’ll see that it wasn’t as easy as the score suggests,” he explained. “They’ll be hurting after that result, so we expect a proper retaliation. It’s definitely going to be an arm-wrestle.”

For Mbonambi, who returns to the matchday squad after a spell away, the contest is also personal. With Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marnus van der Merwe pushing for game time alongside veteran Malcolm Marx, competition at hooker is fierce.

“There’s competition in every position, but that’s what makes this team better. When you’re not in the set-up, you really miss it, so every chance to wear the jersey is special,” he said.

Argentina’s Plan B

Felipe Contepomi has rung the changes for Argentina, making seven adjustments to the side thrashed in Durban. Young flyhalf Geronimo Prisciantelli has been thrown into only his second Test, partnering debutant Simon Benitez Cruz at halfback. Santiago Carreras shifts to full-back, while Guido Petti and Pedro Rubiolo reunite in the second row.

The Pumas may be shifting to a more defensive approach, aiming to frustrate the Boks and slow the tempo. History shows Argentina can bounce back from heavy defeats in 1982 they stunned the Boks in Bloemfontein a week after shipping 50 points but whether they can manage such a turnaround against a world champion side brimming with confidence is another question.

Twickenham Turns Green and Gold

The setting itself may favor South Africa. With thousands of expats expected to flood into London, Twickenham could feel more like Ellis Park North than a neutral venue. South Africans on social media have been buzzing all week, with memes of fans trading in their Oyster cards for green and gold jerseys.

Local fans in Johannesburg have been quick to point out that this Boks side is rewriting history in real time. “We used to always hope for the Boks to ‘maybe’ beat the All Blacks. Now we expect it. That’s the shift,” wrote one supporter on X.

All Eyes on Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Perhaps the biggest spotlight falls on 22-year-old flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. His composed brilliance turned the tide in Durban last week, and he now carries the hopes of a nation into one of rugby’s most famous stadiums.

Twickenham has been kind to South Africa before, most recently in their 35-7 demolition of the All Blacks in 2023. Replicating that ruthlessness from the opening whistle could leave Argentina chasing shadows.

What’s at Stake

South Africa lead the Rugby Championship standings by a single point over New Zealand. Even if the All Blacks defeat Australia in Perth, a standard win at Twickenham will secure the title for Siya Kolisi’s men. Depending on earlier results, the Boks could even take the field already crowned champions though no one in green and gold is banking on it.

History, pride, and momentum are on the line. The Boks know all too well that Argentina cannot be underestimated. But if Kolisi’s side hit their stride, Twickenham may witness another chapter in what is shaping up to be a golden era for South African rugby.

Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (SA time)

{Source:ESPN Africa and Super Sport}

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