The final round of the 2025 Rugby Championship features a high-stakes second Test match between South Africa and Argentina on Saturday. South Africa aims to retain the Rugby Championship crown.
Here is our prediction for the match.
South Africa's Quest for History
South Africa are 80 minutes away from opening a new chapter in Rugby Championship history! The Springboks could become the first team to retain the coveted rugby silverware with a win against Argentina. This recent impressive run has seen the team close in on their first-ever back-to-back Rugby Championship title. They sit top of the standings with 15 points - one better than closest contenders New Zealand.
After their opening defeat to Australia, South Africa bounced back strongly in their next four Rugby Championship matches. Overall, the reigning world champions have won 11 of their last 13 matches, mostly by blowout margins. South Africa have dominated Argentina, winning nine of their last 10 meetings.
South Africa enter this match in full confidence after their dominant first-Test win. Rassie Erasmus' side have both the Rugby Championship title on the line, including a chance to make history.
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Unlike their opponents, South Africa will parade a largely unchanged squad from the one that overpowered Argentina last week. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will make his 98th Test appearance for the team against Argentina. Argentina may also have to watch out for Western Province and Stormers fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Feinberg-Mngomezulu led the first-Test rout of the Pumas, scoring 37 points from three tries, eight conversions, and two penalties.
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Argentina's Challenge
Argentina, bottom of the standings with nine points, enter this match out of the race for the Rugby Championship title. However, Felipe Contepomi's men have proven a formidable force to reckon with in the tournament. They have bounced back to win both of their second tests against New Zealand and Australia after losing the earlier rounds. Can they recreate this on Saturday to shatter South Africa's Rugby Championship title dreams?
Argentina head into Saturday's showdown on the back of a win-loss rollercoaster. This includes the heavy first-Test loss in Durban - a result which marked their third defeat in five Rugby Championship matches. Overall, the Pumas have lost eight of their last 13 matches, five of which by wide margins. They have also struggled for results against South Africa, losing 10 of their last 11 encounters with the Springboks.
Felipe Contepomi has made big changes to Argentina's squad after the defeat in Durban. Santiago Grondona has been lined up to replace Joaquín Oviedo as the eighth man. The Bristol Bears flanker is renowned for his powerful runs and high work rate. Gerónimo and Simón Benítez Cruz constitute the new half-back pairing, replacing Santiago Carreras and Gonzalo García. The duo will spice up the Pumas' defense with their vigor and energy but may struggle to contain South Africa's terrific attack due to their inexperience.
For Argentina, this is not only a chance to avenge their first-Test loss, but play spoiler to the Springboks' title hopes.
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Prediction
Meanwhile, South Africa remains our favorites to win this match given their remarkable recent form. They have won their recent matches, mostly by impressive margins. We expect a moderate-scoring affair, but one likely to end below the 55-point mark given the two teams' recent results. Three of Argentina's last four matches have ended with under 54.5 total points.
Match Details:
- Teams: Argentina vs. South Africa
- Competition: FIFA Women's World Cup, Group G
- Date: 28 Jul 2023
- Time: 00:00 UTC
- Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
Key Stats:
- Argentina is currently ranked 4th in Group G.
- South Africa is currently ranked 2nd in Group G.
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