Springboks Set to Retain Rugby Championship Title

The Springboks' wing takes a selfie with supporters at Kings Park Stadium

South Africa is poised to retain their Rugby Championship title with a strong chance of success against Argentina.

“We tend to think we are a squad of 40 players and can interchange, but with just two days of training...”

South Africa's coach, Rassie Erasmus, is cautioning his team against complacency ahead of their Rugby Championship match against Argentina on Saturday. Despite being heavy favorites, having thumped Argentina 67-30 in their last encounter, Erasmus knows his team can't afford to take their opponents lightly. Argentina is expected to come out strong, determined to bounce back from their previous defeat.

Ox Nche is back as Rassie Erasmus makes a few minor tweaks to the #Springboks side for Saturday's Castle Lager Rugby Championship decider in London 🐂
Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 👍#ForeverGreenForeverGold

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 30, 2025

The Springboks have been in impressive form, scoring 110 points in their last two matches, including a record-breaking 43-10 win over New Zealand. However, Erasmus is aware that Argentina will likely adopt a more aggressive strategy, “pitching up” to try and take down the South Africans. His team needs to stay focused and adapt to this expected approach.

Erasmus has already made some tough decisions, including an “emotional” choice regarding Siya Kolisi. With Ox Nche set to start as loosehead prop, the Springboks are looking to maintain their strong lineup. Meanwhile, Damian de Allende has emphasized the importance of not taking time and space away from fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Despite the glowing praise from media and fans, Erasmus remains grounded, aware that success can be fleeting and fortunes can shift dramatically. He knows that in the world of sports, momentum can change quickly, and yesterday's triumph can become tomorrow's challenge. With this perspective, Erasmus is likely to stay focused on continuous improvement and adaptability.

“It's not the players who are talking themselves up and making a fuss about themselves,” Erasmus told reporters in London after naming his team.

“It's (fans), we love the support and we appreciate the media and what they do, but the reality is we are playing against an Argentina team who will be hurting.

“And we know when we have been hurting, we pitch up the next week.”

The Springboks' shift to a more expansive game plan under attack coach Tony Brown has been a work in progress. Despite a promising start against Australia in Johannesburg, where they led 22-0, the team struggled in the second half and ultimately lost 38-22. This setback has highlighted the challenges of adapting to a new style of play.

Rassie Erasmus disagrees that the players were given too much freedom in attack, but acknowledges that transitioning away from the team's traditional strengths has been a process of discovery. The Springboks have been working to balance their attacking flair with defensive solidity, and Erasmus believes this journey will ultimately pay off.

“Since Tony has been with us, he's trying to find the balance (between attack and defence),” Erasmus said. “We are all obviously chasing the perfect game and Saturday wasn't it. Sixty minutes into the match (the result) was in the balance.”

Rassie Erasmus has made significant changes to the Springboks' lineup this year, but for the upcoming match against Argentina, he has only made one adjustment to the starting XV. Ox Nche returns to the lineup at prop, bringing experience and stability to the scrum. This change reflects Erasmus' efforts to fine-tune the team and optimize their performance against a strong opponent like Argentina.

“We tend to think we are a squad of 40 players and can interchange, but with just two days of training that wasn't too easy to do,” he said.

South Africa is poised to retain their Rugby Championship title with a strong chance of success. A bonus-point victory over Argentina at Twickenham would seal the deal, regardless of the outcome between Australia and New Zealand in Perth. Even without a bonus point, a win would likely suffice, given the Springboks' substantial points difference advantage over the second-placed All Blacks.

Talk about a smooth recovery 😮‍💨#TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/AhFwKFg7vR

— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) October 1, 2025

The Springboks have demonstrated exceptional form, with standout performances from players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who set a new points record in their recent match against Argentina. Their recent 67-30 thrashing of Argentina showcased their depth and firepower, leaving little doubt about their title aspirations.