SPOTLIGHT: Heading into the final and deciding round of the Rugby Championship – South Africa and Argentina have different permutations in order to clinch the title.
Speculation has been at the forefront regarding the outcome of the Springboks v Los Pumas return match.
The tournament rules are clear on what the outcome may be, with Australia and New Zealand out of contention, these are the possibilities for Argentina and South Africa:
*If South Africa wins or earns a bonus point from the match it will take the title on competition points.
*If there is a draw South Africa will take the title on competition points.
*If Argentina wins with no bonus point, and South Africa do not get a bonus point, then South Africa will take the title on competition points.
*If Argentina wins by a bonus point and South Africa does not get a bonus point the teams will be equal on competition points on the table.
*According to the tournament rules for two teams tied on competition points – and with both teams having won 4 matches – Argentina will take the title based on two wins over South Africa.
Below is a breakdown of how points are earned in all Rugby Championship matches:
Win: four points
Draw: two points
Loss: zero points
Bonus points: One point for three tries or more than opponent and one point for a loss within seven points or less.