While the scrum and maul dominated the headlines, the unseen war at the breakdown was another critical battleground in the Rugby Championship final, and it was a war that South Africa ultimately won. Their physicality and technique in the ruck were crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.
In the first half, Argentina enjoyed success at the breakdown, with their fetchers securing key turnovers and slowing down the Springboks’ ball. This was a major reason why they were able to disrupt the Boks’ rhythm and build their early lead.
However, as the game wore on, the relentless power of the South African pack began to tell. Players like Malcolm Marx and the “Bomb Squad” replacements began to dominate the collisions, winning the race to the ruck and securing quick, clean ball for their scrum-half.
This control of the breakdown in the second half was vital. It allowed the Boks to build phases, apply sustained pressure, and wear down the Argentinian defense. Conversely, they were able to slow down the Pumas’ possession, preventing their dangerous backs from launching attacks with front-foot ball.
The battle of the breakdown is often the most brutal and least celebrated aspect of rugby, but it is frequently where games are won and lost. South Africa’s second-half supremacy in this area was a key, if hidden, factor in their championship triumph.