The stage is set for an epic battle at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit as the Springboks and Los Pumas clash to determine the 2024 Rugby Championship victors. South Africa holds the upper hand, needing just a single log point to claim their first championship since 2019. 

If successful, they’ll break New Zealand's dominance as the only other team to win a full edition of the tournament since 2012. However, standing in their way is a determined Argentine team, hungry to make history after defeating the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Springboks in the same year for the first time ever.

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The Mbombela region is renowned for its wildlife, with tourists flocking to the Kruger National Park to spot the famous Big Five. This weekend, the focus will be on a different kind of 'Big Five' as both teams’ forward packs collide in a fierce encounter upfront. Argentina's coach, Felipe Contepomi, knows that to snatch the title, Los Pumas need a try bonus point win and to beat the Springboks by more than seven points – a daunting task.

Much of the match’s intrigue lies in the battle between the tight-five forwards. The Springboks' lineout struggled last weekend against Argentina, with Los Pumas showing impressive resilience and strength. South Africa's head coach, Rassie Erasmus, isn’t taking Argentina lightly, acknowledging that Los Pumas could pull off a famous upset, given their recent successes and their shared ability to defy the odds.

The return of key Springboks players, including the influential Eben Etzebeth, who will be making his 128th appearance, promises to bolster South Africa’s chances. Etzebeth’s rivalry with Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini has been a focal point in recent encounters, and the battle between them will be crucial in determining which side gains the upper hand.

Springbok stalwarts Damian de Allende and Bongi Mbonambi also return to add experience to the team, while Los Pumas’ rising star Joaquin Oviedo will look to showcase his athleticism. The midfield clash between De Allende and Argentina's Santiago Chocobares is another exciting matchup to watch, as both centres have been in outstanding form.

With everything to play for, the match will likely come down to small margins, including the performances of the two number 10s, Manie Libbok for South Africa and Tomas Albornoz for Argentina. While the Springboks have a history of delivering under pressure, Los Pumas have shown they can defy expectations. Nevertheless, with the home advantage and a fully loaded squad, the Springboks seem poised to claim victory and lift the Rugby Championship title. Springboks by 15.

Springboks vs. Los Pumas  Line-Ups

South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Lukhanyo Am

Argentina: 15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Rodrigo Isgro, 13 Matais Moroni, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 8 Joaquin Oviedo, 7 Santiago Grondona, 6 Juan Martín Gonzalez, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 3 Joel Sclavi, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Thomas Gallo

Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Ignacio Calles, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Pablo Matera, 21 Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22 Lucio Cinti, 23 Juan Cruz Mallia

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