The Rugby Championship Final Round: Argentina vs South Africa

Felipe Contepomi, the head coach of Los Pumas, addressed his team during a training session

Argentina aims to beat South Africa at King's Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday, seeking a third consecutive win against their southern hemisphere rivals.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas, and if one takes into consideration that they beat New Zealand and Australia...”

Argentina is set to face defending champions South Africa in a crucial Rugby Championship match at King’s Park Stadium in Durban. The Pumas are riding high after defeating New Zealand and Australia in the championship, and they're determined to make it three wins in a row against their southern hemisphere rivals. This match is considered a semifinal for the Springboks, with captain Siya Kolisi emphasizing the importance of getting the desired result.

The match promises to be intense, with both teams evenly matched. Argentina's physicality and skill will be put to the test against the Springboks' experienced lineup. The Springboks, meanwhile, will look to exploit Argentina's weaknesses and secure a vital win. The stakes are high, with the winning team gaining a significant advantage in the final round of the championship.

Rugby Championship Standings

The current standings in the Rugby Championship are:

• Australia: 11 points, leading the table, 2 wins, 2 losses

• South Africa: 10 points, 2 wins, 2 losses, closely followed by

• New Zealand: 10 points, 2 wins, 2 losses

• Argentina: 9 points, 2 wins, 2 losses

Argentina's Challenge Against South Africa

Argentina faces a tough challenge against South Africa, having failed to beat them outside of Argentina in their last 10 meetings. The Springboks are still riding high after their record 43-10 victory over New Zealand in Wellington, which salvaged their campaign. Captain Siya Kolisi views the upcoming match as a semi-final, emphasizing the importance of getting the desired result. South Africa's coach has also made changes to their lineup, with Ox Nche's withdrawal due to injury leading to Boan Venter starting in the front row.

“We know about physical power, especially in the forwards, from South Africa,” he told reporters in Durban on Thursday.

“It is not the first time we go 6-2 against South Africa and it is a strategic plan that may or may not go well, but it is what we have chosen to do.”

Argentina's coach, Felipe Contepomi, has strengthened his team's forward pack for the highly anticipated match against South Africa in Durban. Pablo Matera returns to the flank position, while Franco Molina and Lucas Paulos join the second row, bringing a boost to the team's physicality and skill. This move is strategic, given the Springboks' reputation for powerful forward play.

Argentina's Starting Lineup:

• Front Row: Mayco Vivas, Julián Montoya, and Joel Sclavi

• Second Row: Franco Molina and Lucas Paulos

• Back Row: Pablo Matera, Juan Marcos Kremer, and Joaquín Oviedo

• Scrum-half: Gonzalo García

• Fly-half: Santiago Carreras

• Centers: Santiago Chocobares and Lucio Cinti

• Back Three: Mateo Carreras, Rodrigo Isgro, and Juan Cruz Mallía

Contepomi has opted for a 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the bench, a rare selection that reflects his team's strategic approach to the game. This decision is aimed at countering the Springboks' physicality and gaining an advantage in the match. The coach believes this combination is the best for the team, allowing them to compete effectively against a top-ranked opponent.

The Springboks have shifted their strategy this season, moving away from the traditional 6-2 split that defined their Bomb Squad era. Instead, they're embracing a more expansive style of play, which has yielded mixed results. However, when executed correctly, this approach has proven to be highly effective, as seen in their dominant 43-10 win over New Zealand. That match showcased the team's potential, with six tries scored against the All Blacks, who suffered their heaviest-ever test defeat.

Key Changes in the Springboks' Lineup

• Damian de Allende returns at center, replacing the injured Aphelele Fassi

• Eben Etzebeth comes back at lock, filling in for Lood de Jager's injury

• Damian Willemse shifts to full-back, allowing De Allende to join the starting lineup

The Springboks' coach, Rassie Erasmus, has opted for a well-balanced team that combines youthful energy with experienced leadership. The side boasts a strong forward pack, led by captain Siya Kolisi and veteran lock Eben Etzebeth. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, the Springboks are poised to take on Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas, and if one takes into consideration that they beat New Zealand and Australia in the first four rounds of the competition, as well as the British & Irish Lions earlier in the season, there’s no doubt we’ll treat them with the respect they deserve,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.

¡Los 23 para el sábado en Durban! ¡Estamos listos! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/8hBkInRbZT

— Los Pumas (@lospumas) September 25, 2025

“As things stand, any team could win the title, so we need to capitalise on the point-scoring chances we create and play for the full 80 minutes if we want to get the desired result.”

The teams will meet again in the final round of the Rugby Championship, but it will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Jose Amalfitani venue, not London, on October 4. The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM WAT. This upcoming encounter will be crucial in determining the championship standings, with the winning team gaining a significant advantage.