With a return fixture to come next week, Erasmus has rested a couple of key figures, with Siya Kolisi in the coaches’ box rather than on the pitch as he manages a facial injury. Argentina may therefore spy an opportunity to cause a shock — the hosts are full of confidence after producing a record win against Australia a fortnight ago.

Argentina kept their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive when they edged world champions South Africa 29-28 on Saturday to temporarily deny the Springboks their first title since 2019.

A late penalty could have won them the game, but South Africa can still win the title if they get one point from the return match next week.

Siya Kolisi has returned to South Africa after just a single season at Racing 92 after the Springboks skipper’s contract with the Paris club was cut short. Kolisi moved to the Top 14 on a lucrative three-year deal last summer, but struggled for form and fitness after joining up with Stuart Lancaster’s side.

With one round to go in the Rugby Championship, we run through the permutations of the final weekend as the Springboks and Argentina hunt for the title.

South Africa prepares to face Argentina in crucial Rugby Championship matches over the next eight days. Captained by Salmaan Moerat, the Springboks aim to secure their fifth southern hemisphere title with a strong performance on the road and at home.

Tomas Albornoz kicked a penalty 11 minutes from the end to hand Argentina a thrilling 29-28 victory over South Africa and keep their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive in a blisteringly hot Santiago del Estero.

Argentina has kept its hopes of winning the Rugby Championship alive by edging world champion South Africa 29-28 to temporarily deny the Springboks their first title since 2019.

A blistering first half saw no fewer than seven tries as Los Pumas fought back from an early South African onslaught. The Springboks flew out of the traps with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel helping them to a 14-point lead before Handre Pollard added three more from a penalty kick.