Albornoz's Last-Minute Penalty Secures Thrilling Victory for Argentina

Flyhalf Tomas Albornoz secured a thrilling 29-28 victory for Argentina over South Africa with a late penalty, keeping their Rugby Championship hopes alive. Argentina came back from a 17-0 deficit, scoring four tries. South Africa, who lead the table, missed a last-minute penalty to win the game.

Flyhalf Tomas Albornoz kicked a critical penalty 11 minutes from the end, handing Argentina a gripping 29-28 victory over South Africa. This win keeps their Rugby Championship ambitions alive in the sweltering Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

The reigning world champions, the Springboks, had a chance to clinch victory with a late penalty from flyhalf Manie Libbok. Libbok's miss means South Africa still tops the table with 19 points, closely followed by Argentina with 14. The title will be decided in their final matchup in Nelspruit next Saturday.

Argentina's comeback featured four tries from wing Mateo Carreras, flanker Pablo Matera, prop Joel Sclavi, and Albornoz, who capitalized on a first-half yellow card for South African wing Kurt-Lee Arendse to turn a 17-0 deficit into a 26-22 halftime lead. South Africa, who rested several regulars and made 10 changes, scored tries via fullback Aphelele Fassi, centre Jesse Kriel, and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, marking their first loss in this year’s championship.