Title-Winning Boks May Be Last Champions of Traditional Tournament

South Africa powered their way to a momentous back-to-back Rugby Championship title, but their victory over Argentina at Twickenham could mark the end of an era. With the competition’s future in serious doubt, the Springboks may have cemented their place as the final champions of the tournament as we know it.
The win was a classic Springbok performance, forged in the fires of the forward battle. Their scrum was utterly dominant, providing the platform for victory and epitomized by the destructive efforts of hooker Malcolm Marx, who scored two crucial tries. It was a brutal and effective display that Argentina had no answer for.
Adding to the unique circumstances of the final was its location. Argentina forfeited their home advantage for a lucrative match at Twickenham, a decision that played directly into South Africa’s hands. Coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the massive benefit of avoiding a trip to Argentina, where the Pumas are a different beast.
Erasmus also cast a shadow over the celebrations with his comments on the tournament’s uncertain future. “Maybe this is the last Rugby Championship,” he stated, highlighting the scheduling issues that have cancelled the 2026 edition and threaten to reshape southern hemisphere rugby. This potential finality makes the Springboks’ achievement all the more historic.
For their part, Argentina fought with immense pride. They started the game strongly, taking a 13-3 lead, and never gave up, scoring a try in the dying moments. However, their inability to cope with the relentless pressure of the South African scrum meant they were always fighting an uphill battle.