Will Springboks claim Championship Title during Etzebeth's Record Match?

South Africa will be aiming to clinch their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 when they face Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday, with both teams still in contention for the title.

The Springboks lead the standings by five points, but a narrow one-point defeat to Argentina last weekend delayed their title hopes. That result has kept the second-placed Pumas in the hunt for their first-ever championship win. A win or even a bonus point—which can be earned by scoring four tries or finishing within seven points—would be enough for South Africa to secure the title.

However, Argentina can claim the championship if they secure a bonus point victory and South Africa fail to do so. In that case, Argentina would win based on their two victories over Rassie Erasmus' side. Argentina have already beaten both New Zealand and Australia in this year’s competition.

Lock Eben Etzebeth is poised to become South Africa's most-capped player, making his 128th appearance, surpassing the record held by 2007 World Cup winner Victor Matfield.

"If we can win the title and finish the competition with a victory, it would be a massive occasion for the team and Eben as an individual," said coach Rassie Erasmus.

Erasmus has made nine changes from the team that lost 29-28 last weekend, with several key players returning. Six double World Cup winners from 2019 and 2023, including captain Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Damian de Allende, are back in the starting lineup.

Fly-half Manie Libbok, who missed a crucial kick last weekend, retains his starting spot, while Handre Pollard drops to the bench. Kolbe, who could step in as a kicker, said, "We’ve played in finals before, but you can’t rely on past results. Argentina are a strong team with many players who have an X-factor, particularly those with a background in sevens rugby."

Argentina, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their starting lineup. Gloucester’s Santiago Carreras comes in at full-back and could take over kicking duties after fly-half Tomas Albornoz missed three attempts in the previous match. Sevens star Rodrigo Isgro starts on the wing, and flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez is included ahead of Pablo Matera, despite Matera scoring in the last game.