Argentina Eyes Rugby Championship Glory

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has led the team to its best season in the Rugby Championship. The team beat the Springboks 29-28, marking Argentina's first win against all rivals in a single year. Despite the victory, Contepomi aims for improvement to win the upcoming title decider.

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has already led his side to their best season ever in the Rugby Championship, regardless of the outcome in Saturday’s title decider against South Africa in Nelspruit. Yet, he still seeks further improvement from his squad.

The thrilling 29-28 victory over the world champion Springboks in Santiago del Estero has given Argentina a shot at claiming their first southern hemisphere title. To lift the trophy, they must earn five points this coming weekend and prevent their hosts from scoring any.

While Contepomi celebrated the result, which adds to victories this season over New Zealand (38-30) and Australia (67-27), making it the first time they have beaten all three rivals in a single year, he acknowledged his side had a bit of luck on their side. Replacement Springboks flyhalf Manie Libbok missed a crucial kick from virtually in front of the posts with a minute remaining, which could have secured a win for the visitors.

"The victory could have been a defeat in the last minute. Beyond the result, which is obviously welcome, the important thing is what we were able to do at times, which is to impose our game," Contepomi told reporters. "At times it came out but we also shot ourselves in the foot with penalties and unforced errors that gave them an entrance to the game.

"South Africa is predictable, but not easy. You know what they are going to do, but they do it so well that it is very difficult to stop." South Africa led 17-0 early on, before Argentina capitalized on a yellow card for wing Kurt-Lee Arendse in the first half and led 26-22 at the break. The second half turned into an arm-wrestle.

"What made the difference was the defensive effort. There was real conviction in going to tackle two by two. Every centimetre counts," said Contepomi. "The attacking play is what is easiest to see or the most beautiful, but I think a lot about the work on defence."

Contepomi notes that minimising errors will be pivotal in the clash in Nelspruit if his side is to lift the trophy for the first time. "We have many areas to correct," he said. "There are small mistakes that allowed them into the game. It's about trying to minimise the ones you can control, the unforced errors. We are going to work on that to continue growing."

Argentina will be without injured flanker Marcos Kremer, who left the field in the second half and has not travelled to South Africa.