The Springboks produced a devastating second-half performance to crush Argentina 67–30 in Durban on Saturday, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu rewriting the record books in the process.
The 23-year-old fly-half was outstanding throughout, scoring 37 points from three tries, seven conversions and four penalties. His tally eclipsed Percy Montgomery’s long-standing mark of 35 points for South Africa in a single test match.
It was, however, a game of two halves. Argentina matched the Springboks stride for stride in the opening 40 minutes, with Santiago Carreras punishing South African indiscipline from the kicking tee and Santiago Chocobares grabbing a remarkable opportunistic try from a hurried goal-line dropout. Malcolm Marx and Feinberg-Mngomezulu responded with tries of their own, though the Pumas led briefly before a late score from Feinberg-Mngomezulu gave the Boks a slender 25–23 lead at the break.
Whatever was said in the home dressing room at half-time had an electrifying effect. South Africa returned with renewed purpose and overwhelming pace, scoring six unanswered tries as their forwards took control and their backline cut loose.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu orchestrated much of the attack, his cross-kick setting up Cheslin Kolbe early in the second half before completing his hat-trick with a deft dummy near the line. Morné van den Berg, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Manie Libbok and Marx all added further tries, with the Kings Park crowd roaring their approval as the Springboks surged past the 60-point mark.
Argentina briefly closed the gap when Tomás Albornoz scored midway through the second half, but their resistance faded against South Africa’s relentless tempo. By the final whistle, the scoreboard reflected the Springboks’ dominance: nine tries to three and a decisive bonus-point victory.
The result takes the world champions to the top of the Rugby Championship standings with 15 points from five matches, one clear of New Zealand, who beat Australia 33–24 in Auckland. The Wallabies remain third on 11 points, with Argentina trailing on nine.
South Africa will meet Los Pumas again next weekend at Twickenham in what could prove to be a title decider. Another triumph would secure the Rugby Championship crown for the Springboks and cap a memorable campaign in which Feinberg-Mngomezulu has emerged as a genuine star.
Speaking afterwards, head coach Rassie Erasmus praised his fly-half’s composure under pressure. “Sacha controlled the game superbly. To score 37 points at this level is exceptional, but more importantly, he created opportunities for others and showed great maturity.”
For the Kings Park faithful, it was a night to savour: a record-breaking performance, nine tries, and a team that once again looked every inch the reigning world champions.
