‘Lucky’ Springboks edge Pumas in thriller

Fly-half Morne Steyn kicked a penalty three minutes from time to earn South Africa a lucky 33-31 win over Argentina in a Rugby Championship thriller.

Trailing by 12 points after 56 minutes, a Springboks side given a torrid time in the forward exchanges for much of the match clawed back to snatch victory.

The scrums were a particular problem for the two-time world champions.

Success on a hot, clear afternoon in north-western Argentina lifted leaders South Africa to eight points in the table, one above title-holders New Zealand.

Defeat left the often dominant Pumas wondering what they must do to end a 14-match win-less run since debuting in the competition two seasons ago.

Springboks centre and skipper Jean de Villiers cut a relieved figure after the close call.