As it happened: Springboks v Argentina

18.48

Curwin Bosch gets a roaring applause for his Test debut. But the start isn’t great. First, his kick is charged down and then he misses a penalty to touch. But no matter, it’s a fine performance from the Boks. They’ve set the ball rolling and win 37-15!

18.41

SPRINGBOKS 37 – ARGENTINA 15 (Try Pieter-Steph du Toit)

The Boks go for a scrum just to rub it in the Pumas’ noses. Francois Hougaard makes a sniping break and replacement Pieter-Steph du Toit barges over under a pile of bodies. Bonus point for the Boks.

18.38

The critics will be less after this.

I kinda like Cassiem at Nr8,he is brutal and physical!

— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) August 19, 2017

18.37

He’s really played his heart out.

A lot of players have had good games today but Uzair Cassiem has put in some monster work around the park.

— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) August 19, 2017

18.33

SPRINGBOKS 30 – ARGENTINA 15 (Try Siya Kolisi)

Simply dreamy from the Boks. Skosan goes a good run after Jesse Kriel’s skilful pass. They change direction and that man Siya Kolisi ghosts through. Beautiful!

18.30

It would be funny if it wasn’t so unbelievably sad.

Lol Poite doesn't understand the tackle law. #SAvARG

— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) August 19, 2017

18.25

SPRINGBOKS 23 – ARGENTINA 15 (Try Emiliano Boffelli)

The Pumas hammer away at the Boks’ line and some magnificent handling sees them exploit the hosts’ rush defence. The visitors are still in this.

18.20

Argentineans starting to get frustrated, Boks starting to get some good momentum.

— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) August 19, 2017

18.18

SPRINGBOKS 23 – ARGENTINA 8 (Try Raymond Rhule)

Another first try in a Springboks jersey! This time it’s Raymond Rhule, who gallops through a screaming gap left by the Pumas after the visitors had already conceded advantage. Jantjies converts.

18.13

SPRINGBOKS 16 – ARGENTINA 8 (Penalty Jantjies)

Jaco Kriel initially misses a tackle on Landajo but immediately makes up for it with a brilliant turnover at the next breakdown. Jantjies kicks a beauty.

18.11

SPRINGBOKS 13 – ARGENTINA 8 (Penalty Nicolas Sanchez)

The Pumas have started the second half far better. Keep the ball well and Marx is pinged for hands in the ruck. Sanchez converts.

18.10

The @lospumas physicality & intensity a step up from feeble @rugby_France & @Springboks handling it comfortably #RSAvARG #SSRugby

Read more

Champions Cup result: Ill-disciplined Stormers thrashed by Harlequins

— Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) August 19, 2017

18.08

42513 people came to #fillupthebay today! Thank you all for the amazing support! pic.twitter.com/uoXoFQK0jY

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 19, 2017

17.57

#RugbyChampionship – HT:@Springboks 13-5 Argentina
Courtnall Skosan's excellent try just before the break gives the hosts an 8-point lead. pic.twitter.com/P5cxzBJXD5

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 19, 2017

17.53

It’s half-time. Not perfect by the Springboks but it’s encouraging again.

17.50

SPRINGBOKS 13 – ARGENTINA 5 (Try Courtnall Skosan)

It’s a first Test try for Courtnall Skosan! Beautiful move from the Lions men! After a rocket pass by Serfontein, Jantjies floats a ball inside to Skosan. He’s tackled but not held and shows twinkle toes to score. Fantastic!

17.44

SPRINGBOKS 6 – ARGENTINA 5 (Try Martin Landajo)

Jan Serfontein runs out of ideas on attack and puts a poorly judged kick ahead. It’s straight into the hands of Joaquin Tuculet, who breaks, kicks forward and allows scrumhalf Martin Landajo to win the foot race. That was poor play by the Springboks centre.

17.35

Los Punas just playing a little negative,they'll actually be much more competitive if they more disciplined,Boks lead 6-0 after 21 minutes

— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) August 19, 2017

17.33

SPRINGBOKS 6 – ARGENTINA 0 (Penalty Jantjies)

The Springboks again on the front foot after a good scrum. They show some variation on attack without really making progress before the Pumas go offside. Jantjies is accurate with the penalty.

17.32

Trying to figure out who Romain Poite is blowing at World Rugby to keep his job. #SAvARG pic.twitter.com/MNCxeICx1r

— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) August 19, 2017

17.28

Referee Romain Poite strikes again. Denies Jaco Kriel a try for a knock-on when it was a Puma that actually got a hand to the ball.

Aaah Romaine Poite. Nobody knows why you keep getting the appointments, but my guess its world rugby's revenge in motion…

— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) August 19, 2017

17.26

Scrappy game. Just the way Argentina like it… #SAvARG

— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) August 19, 2017

17.23

SPRINGBOKS 3 – ARGENTINA 0 (Penalty Elton Jantjies)

Jesse Kriel launches a powerful run from a scrum in midfield and the Pumas infringe at the breakdown. Great strike by Jantjies!

17.20

It’s all rather messy at the moment. The Springboks win a good scrum penalty but Elton Jantjies tries a silly drop kick from a decent attacking position. Then Argentina go forward from midfield. Still 0-0.

17.18

It’s indeed a fine record!

It's BEAST time !! The most capped Springbok prop 👊 #SAvARG pic.twitter.com/3QBWaUOgjF

— NoScrumNoWin Rugby (NSNW) (@Noscrum_nowin) August 19, 2017

17.17

Feel the vibe… pic.twitter.com/r5GXrXhgve

— RhymesWithRuck (@jwcoetzee) August 19, 2017

17.14

The Springboks put the Argentinians under pressure from the kick-off but the visitors are patient on defence and actually manage to stop the Boks after 16 phases. Fine defence.

17.11

It might be annoying but it’s one of those things…

Every time the Boks play at home we have to spend the first 10 minutes watching random dignitaries shaking every bloody hand in sight!!!

— Alistair Hargreaves (@Al_Hargreaves) August 19, 2017

17.10

Bok O'Clock.

— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) August 19, 2017

17.03

Well, it has served him rather well in 2017

When is Elton going to finish that haircut he started? #rugby #SAvARG

— Craig Ray (@craigray11) August 19, 2017

16.49

It’s been a good ground for the Springboks in the past…

Stunning to see the people of Port Elizabeth fill up the stadium….amazing vibe here outside the ground.

— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) August 19, 2017

16.47

On that note, here’s a reminder of who represents that loose trio (and the rest of the side):

Andries Coetzee, Raymond Rhule, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Uzair Cassiem, Jaco Kriel, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Coenie Oosthuizen, Malcolm Marx, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Hougaard, Curwin Bosch, Damian de Allende.

16.46

Not my favorite balance of loose trio and front row I think its going to be a close encounter but let's hope GO BOKKE !

— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) August 19, 2017

16.41

This is indeed a legitimate point. Eben Etzebeth is a man known for not standing back for anyone. But he needs to keep his cool as skipper.

Matfield warns that Lavanini – again – will try to niggle Eben, especially as he's now in charge …

— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) August 19, 2017

16.40

The crowds are coming into the @NMB_Stadium as kick-off is getting closer. 30 mins to go before #Springboks take on @unionargentina Pumas pic.twitter.com/0DS5JEAnjX

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 19, 2017

16.20

Coin toss done between captains Etzebeth and Creevy, with referee Poite #SAvARG #LoveRugby #fillupthebay @asics_za @MTNza pic.twitter.com/oUNPynLxxa

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 19, 2017

16.20

A former Protea gives his prediction.

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/898911778104594432

16.05

Meanwhile, our man at Loftus – Ken Borland – reports a dramatic comeback for the Free State Cheetahs against the Blue Bulls. Hopefully this doesn’t happen here!

Blue Bulls lose to an 85th-minute try in the corner by Mapimpi. Only themselves to blame, had ball with 90 seconds left but turned it over!

— Ken Borland (@KenBorland) August 19, 2017

16.03

Gurthro Steenkamp, a stalwart Springboks prop under Jake White and Peter de Villiers, remains a very faithful supporter.

Good luck to the @Springboks today ! Everyone is behind you ! @Francoishougi @serfonteinjan… https://t.co/5BcaakhKov

— Gurthro Steenkamp (@gurthro) August 19, 2017

16.00

If there’s been a youngster who’s experienced a so-called breakout season, it’s 20-year-old Curwin Bosch. He didn’t play against France because team management wanted him at the Under-20 World Championships. Now, he’s a senior Springbok and could make his debut off the bench. Here’s what Allister Coetzee had to say.

15.47

Well done Bayers!

A capacity crowd is expected at NMB Stadium in Port Elizabeth this afternoon where SA host Argentina in the Rugby Championship. #SAvARG pic.twitter.com/l5gWwrTFmP

— Alvin Reeves (@alvinreeves) August 19, 2017

15.32

VIDEO: The @Springboks arrive at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ahead of the Test against Argentina. pic.twitter.com/6lu0s9o9z7

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) August 19, 2017

15.30

With Warren Whiteley essentially sidelined for the whole campaign, a new sheriff is in town. Read here what Eben Etzebeth had to say about his responsibility. 

15.30

Welcome to out live coverage of the Springboks’ opening Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Port Elizabeth. Can the South Africans build on an encouraging 3-0 series win over France in June?

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