South Africa stormed to a 67-30 victory over Argentina in Durban to move to the top of the Rugby Championship table, with fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu making history by setting a new national record for most points scored in a single Test match. The 23-year-old delivered a dazzling individual performance, scoring 37 points through three tries, eight conversions, and two penalties, surpassing the long-standing record of 35 points set by Percy Montgomery against Namibia in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
The emphatic win, secured in front of a raucous 45,000-strong crowd, earned the Springboks a crucial bonus point and put them one step closer to securing their third Rugby Championship title in the competition’s current format. The result also propelled South Africa one point clear at the top of the standings, after New Zealand briefly overtook them earlier in the day with victory against Australia.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu set the tone early, scoring two tries in the first half, though Argentina kept the contest tight before the break. At halftime, South Africa held only a slender two-point lead. Malcolm Marx added another try for the Springboks, but mistakes proved costly, particularly when winger Cheslin Kolbe’s error gifted Santiago Chocobares an easy score between the posts. Argentina also benefited from a penalty try, while fly-half Santiago Carreras kept the scoreboard ticking with a conversion and three penalties.
Despite Argentina’s strong resistance in the opening 40 minutes, the second half belonged entirely to the Springboks. Feinberg-Mngomezulu added his third try to complete his hat-trick, before Kolbe redeemed himself with a try of his own. Pieter-Steph du Toit crossed twice, while Morne van den Berg and Manie Libbok each added further tries to stretch South Africa’s lead beyond Argentina’s reach. With Feinberg-Mngomezulu in near-flawless kicking form, converting eight of South Africa’s nine tries and adding penalties, the scoreboard swelled to a commanding 67-30 at full time.
Speaking after his record-breaking display, the young fly-half was delighted but humble: “This was a vibe. I am very happy. We just wanted to play good rugby put the work we have done in training into the game.”
The victory sets up a thrilling finale to the Rugby Championship. South Africa will next face Argentina again on 4 October at Twickenham, while New Zealand take on Australia in Perth. A bonus-point win for the Springboks in London would guarantee them the title, though they could also be crowned champions if Australia manage to upset the All Blacks.
With Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s emergence as a new star in international rugby and the Springboks showing both depth and firepower, South Africa has sent a clear warning to their rivals: they remain a formidable force capable of breaking records and lifting trophies.
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