South Africa vs Argentina Prediction & Betting Tips - The Rugby Championship

Prediction published on 27/07/2023, 10:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 29/07/2023 at 03:05 in Rugby Predictions

The final match of the 2023 Rugby Championship will see South Africa take on Argentina on Saturday afternoon. The hosts are currently second in the standings with five points in their two matches, while the visitors are right behind them in third with four points. The Springboks got their tournament off to a dominant start as they demolished the Wallabies 43-12 on the highveld over the opening weekend. However, it was a different story when they head to New Zealand a week later, where they were fairly comprehensively beaten by the All Blacks 35-20. That loss brought an end to a three-match winning streak. The reigning world champions have employed a split-team system for this competition as they prepare to defend their crown later this year in France. The Springboks are still in with a chance of winning this competition, though that will require them to win this match with a bonus point and hope that the All Blacks lose in Melbourne earlier in the day. A title win may be a tall order, but winning this match will be of major significance on its own as the winner will also likely end up as the runner-up. 

Meanwhile, Argentina proved how much they have improved over the last two years when they overcame the Wallabies 34-31 in the second match of this competition and are now set to avoid being awarded the wooden spoon for the first time in the last six years. Over the last 12 months, the Pumas have managed wins over England, New Zealand, and twice over Australia, though they have not beaten the Springboks in their last six attempts. The last time they did emerge victorious against the South Africans was in this tournament back in 2018. Over their last ten matches, Argentina have a record of four wins and six losses, but they have only won one of their last four. They will likely find it difficult against the hard-hitting Springboks here but will relish the opportunity as it will serve as excellent preparation for the World Cup later this year.