"Major blow" - Two Springboks suffer serious injuries

The statement victory sent South Africa back to the top of the world rankings and ensured the Freedom Cup stays in their hands for the second year running.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus isn’t letting his men get carried away, though, with Argentina looming large in their final two Rugby Championship clashes – first in Durban before a showdown in London.

The dominant display came at a cost, with several stars forced off. Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Cobus Reinach all suffered injury concerns during the clash.

“We do have a couple of injuries, which we do not know the extent of yet, but the two that appear to be serious are Lood (de Jager) and Aphelele (Fassi),” Erasmus confirmed.

Fassi was later spotted in a moon boot, while De Jager’s issue appeared to come from a heavy contact collision – leaving Springbok fans sweating on updates ahead of the Pumas tests.

Argentina edged Australia 28-26 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, with Santiago Carreras kicking seven penalties and a conversion to rack up 23 points, keeping Los Pumas in control as the Sydney crowd roared.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks hit rock bottom, suffering their heaviest-ever Test defeat as South Africa stormed to a 43-10 win in Wellington. Cheslin Kolbe grabbed a try in each half, with Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, and André Esterhuizen adding the rest in a masterclass of clinical attack.

But while some shone, others stumbled. Round Four’s list of flops is dominated by an unexpected culprit: New Zealand’s All Blacks.

The fly-half had a challenging debut Test start, marked by costly errors including a charged-down clearance leading to a try and a miscommunication that gave Argentina advantageous field position. Despite these struggles, he showed glimpses of promise with a precise 50:22 kick and some effective carries, but overall his performance was inconsistent, leading to him being substituted before full time.

Planet Rugby 3/10: "A stunning 50:22 was one of the few highlights for the young pivot in a frankly nightmarish performance. He was punished for taking his sweet time with his free-kick as Julian Montoya charged down the kick and scored. He also had a mix-up with White in receiving a goal-line dropout, giving the Argentines field position. Throw in a few below-par up-and-unders and clearances, and it was really a game to forget for the fly-half."

FloRugby 5/10: "A tough learning experience on his first Test start. His clearance was charged down for Montoya’s try, and a miscommunication with White caused a costly knock-on. Showed composure with a pinpoint 50-22 and two defenders beaten on carries, but replaced after 55 minutes."

Scott Barrett had a quiet night, lacking the energy and presence he showed in previous matches. He made few carries and tackles early on, and his lineout performance was inconsistent at 69% success. While he provided reliable defensive work and calm decision-making around the contact area, he struggled to impose himself as captain and could not rally the team during a heavy defeat. His leadership was steady but unspectacular, and he wasn’t able to make a significant impact on the game.

Rugby Pass 5/10: "A quiet night for the captain who looked a little tired after last week. The game plan played away from him too. A lot of ball played out the back. Three tackles through the first hour, and three carries. Didn’t have the same energy as last week and wasn’t able to pressure the Bok lineout as much."

FloRugby 5/10: "Battled hard with 11 tackles, one lineout win and 11 metres carried. Tried to set standards as captain, but couldn’t rally a side well beaten."

Stuff 5/10: "Will be left shellshocked after being the captain to lead the All Black’s to biggest-ever defeat. Couldn’t impose himself on the contest, while lineout (69%) wobbled."

RUCK 5.5/10: "Led from the front with consistent defensive work. Not flashy, but effective in the engine room. Helped steer the side through tricky patches with calm decision-making and effort around the contact area. In terms of captain’s w

With high-ball catches, wide passes, and missed tackles. He made 10 tackles and contributed some offloads, but he could not spark the attack or gain control in a challenging game. His experience helped maintain structure, yet he was unable to turn the match or provide the attacking spark he once could.

Stuff 4/10: "Heart-in-mouth passing wide in own in-goal, while struggled on some high-ball takes. Solid clearances off the boot but could not ignite attack. Skinned by Hooker late-on in one of five missed tackles."

RUCK 5.5/10: "Didn’t grab the headlines but played a smart game, often making clever decisions that went unnoticed. Kept the backline ticking and provided plenty of experience in a backline with newer combinations."

FloRugby 5/10: "Kicked loosely and struggled for control. Ten tackles, two offloads and 35 metres from 10 carries, but couldn’t spark the attack under suffocating pressure. At this stage of his career, he doesn't quite spark an attack like he used to if his pack aren't dominant."

Damian McKenzie started the game well, showing pace and creativity from fullback and slotting an early penalty, injecting life into the All Blacks’ attacking play. However, he was overwhelmed as the game progressed, with poor game management, ill-timed kicks, and offloads that led to turnovers. He also conceded a penalty and looked rattled under pressure, particularly in the backfield, which limited his effectiveness in controlling territory and guiding the team.

Rugby Pass 4.5/10: "Played well early but unfortunately was overwhelmed later in the game. Targeted on the opening kick-off which led to an explosive opening period from South Africa. Injected brilliantly from fullback as the All Blacks opened up to play a wide-wide game that got South Africa on the edge in the first half. Some poor game management in the backfield in the second a detractor. Kicks down Kolbe’s throat, poor offloads leading to turnovers."

FloRugby 4/10: "Slotted an early penalty but failed to control territory. Seven tackles, one line break, two offloads and 11 metres gained. Conceded a penalty and looked rattled at fullback which is concerning given Scott Robertson's aversion to picking him at flyhalf."

Will Jordan had flashes of brilliance, including a strong early tackle, a line break, and an impressive chase on a Hotham box kick. However, his game was marred by poor execution at crucial moments, including a bad pass, a long kick dead, and a late knock-on, limiting his overall impact. Opportunities were few, and despite working hard, he could not convert his chances into meaningful contributions, making it a frustrating night for the winger.

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Smart smothering tackle on Kolbe to force a knock-on early. Had a very nice catch chasing a Hotham box kick. Had a beautiful line break early in the second half but the last pass was poor to Carter on the right. From there it went downhill for Jordan. Kicked long and dead in the second half from the right wing. Missed an opportunity to finish with the game gone. Played hard, just not his night."

Stuff 5/10: " Limited chances, before one trademark slice through that was undone by poor pass. Will also rue 100-metre kick that rolled dead, before night was summed up with knock-on over tryline late-on"