Springboks retain the Rugby Championship crown after beating Argentina 29-27

LONDON (AP) — South Africa retained the Rugby Championship crown for the first time after beating Argentina 29-27 at Twickenham on Saturday.

New Zealand beat Australia 28-14 in Perth hours earlier to put pressure on the Springboks to win, and they delivered in typically punchy style.

They won the title by a point from the All Blacks after one of the tightest championships in history.

South Africa didn’t lead until the 44th minute, gradually overwhelming the Pumas with the power of their set-piece.

Taking advantage of the superior muscle up front, scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and hooker Malcolm scored two tries each.

The Pumas weren’t as close to South Africa as the scoreline suggested. They scored two late converted tries.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

The Associated Press