South Africa survive Argentina onslaught in Rugby Championship win

JOHANNESBURG, AFP:  South Africa survived a second-half Argentina onslaught to win 22-21 in Johannesburg on Saturday and finish Rugby Championship runners-up behind New Zealand.

Argentina, who trailed 15-9 at half-time, camped in the Springboks’ half for much of the second period, but three missed kicks at goal by fly-half Santiago Carreras proved costly.

A breakaway try by fly-half Manie Libbok on 69 minutes became crucial as it extended the South African lead to a flattering 13 points.

But the Pumas never tired and tries from winger Mateo Carreras and scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou reduced the gap to a single point.

Earlier on Saturday, New Zealand scored six tries to crush Australia 38-7 in Melbourne and claim the southern hemisphere title for the ninth time in 11 editions.