Rugby Championship Round Two Team of the Week: Springboks and Los Pumas get first wins of the tournament

Round two of the Rugby Championship delivered high drama and historic milestones.

 In Buenos Aires, Argentina finally ended their long wait for a home victory over New Zealand, edging the All Blacks 29-23 in front of an ecstatic crowd.

It was a night of resilience and composure from Felipe Contepomi’s side, with Santiago Carreras’ kicking and Juan Martín Gonzalez’s try central to a landmark triumph.

New Zealand, meanwhile, paid the price for a spate of yellow cards that stalled their momentum, though Damian McKenzie’s late penalty salvaged a losing bonus point.

In Cape Town, the Springboks responded to last week’s setback with a hard-fought 30-22 win over Australia.

Handre Pollard’s unerring boot and a decisive cameo from Eben Etzebeth carried South Africa home in wet conditions, despite a spirited Wallabies fightback.

Two contrasting games, but both packed with standout performances, and our Team of the Week reflects those who made the difference.

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15 – Juan Cruz Mallia

Mallia played with composure and intelligence, constantly inserting himself into Argentina’s attack and dealing confidently with New Zealand’s aerial threats.

A mistimed tackle on Fletcher Newell was his only blemish, but he more than made up for it with the sharp pass that forced Sevu Reece’s yellow card in the closing stages.

14 – Bautista Delguy

Whenever Argentina needed a spark, Delguy delivered it.

His running lines tore open the All Blacks’ defence and gave his team vital territory.

A spilt ball before the break showed his frustration, but he kept going, producing a superb kick-and-gather early in the second half. A constant threat who never stopped asking questions.

13 – Lucio Cinti

Cinti was alert throughout, combining sharp defensive reads with ambition in possession.

He slipped defenders, got offloads away, and threw himself into scramble defence when Argentina were under siege.

His tracking run that stopped Sevu Reece near the corner typified a performance full of focus and grit.

12 – Santiago Chocobares

Chocobares set the tone physically, thumping carriers and smashing through tackles himself. Even after an HIA check, he returned to steady the midfield and was relentless in defence.

His hard carry out of Argentina’s 22 in the opening stages showed exactly what he was about.

11 – Cheslin Kolbe

It was a mixed start for Kolbe, but he grew into the match and ended up everywhere. He chased kicks, beat defenders, and fought bravely in the air.

By the final whistle, he was tormenting the Wallabies’ defence and even pinched a crucial turnover.

Busy, brave, and ultimately brilliant.

10 – Santiago Carreras

Introduced after just 13 minutes, Carreras transformed the contest.

His first act was a slicing line break that rattled the All Blacks, and from there his assured boot and calm direction steered Argentina home.

Also flawless from the tee, Bath‘s new signing showed plenty of composure under pressure.

9 – Grant Williams

Williams kept Argentina on the front foot with crisp passing and razor-sharp box kicking that continually pressured the Wallabies’ backfield.

He mixed service with clever snipes and left the pitch on the hour after a performance full of control and tempo.

1 – Ox Nche

Nche had his hands full with Taniela Tupou but held firm in the scrum and even earned a penalty against his opposite man. Around the park, he carried with punch and looked for work.

It wasn’t a day for dominant looseheads, but Nche stood out as the most effective.

2 – Julian Montoya

Montoya led with authority, steadying Argentina during shaky moments and making the big calls, like opting for a scrum before their first try.

He was everywhere in defence, nailed his throws apart from one late slip, and kept his team composed under pressure. A  proper captain’s display in every sense.

3 – Thomas du Toit

Du Toit brought bite in both set piece and open play.

Strong in the scrums and forceful in collisions, he also produced a rare but vital turnover at the breakdown.

He added value with his carrying too, showing he is more than just a scrummager.

4 – Eben Etzebeth

Etzebeth entered late and immediately changed the game. From a chargedown to tidying the lineout to barging over for the clinching try, his cameo was all impact.

Fierce, direct, and decisive, he was the difference-maker when it mattered.

5 – Pedro Rubiolo

Rubiolo emptied the tank for 80 minutes, throwing himself into tackles and rucks with tireless commitment.

While not flawless, his sheer work rate in defence and appetite for collisions gave Argentina the grit they needed in the tight exchanges.

6 – Pablo Matera

Matera reminded everyone of his power with some thunderous carries, none more important than the burst that created Gonzalo Garcia’s try.

After an unsettled start, he imposed himself at the breakdown and in contact, rattling New Zealand with his physicality.

7 – Juan Martin Gonzalez

It wasn’t the smoothest of starts for Gonzalez, but his response showed character. He powered over for Argentina’s first try, nearly had a second, and continued to make an impact across the field.

Discipline wavered at times, yet his energy and intent were invaluable.

8 – Kwagga Smith

Smith was relentless, covering ground at speed and involving himself in everything.

He soared under the high ball, carried with intent, and capped it all with a bulldozing try.

His energy never dipped, his nuisance value was constant, and he left the Wallabies bruised and battered.

By Charlie Elliott

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