Victory Comes at a Cost: Springboks Beat Argentina as Kolisi Limps Off

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South Africa Edwill van der Merwe is tackled by Argentina's Agustin Moyano during a rugby test match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

The Springboks got their win in Buenos Aires, but not without a small price…

After an impressive 17-10 victory against Argentina, South Africa now look ahead to their eagerly anticipated series against New Zealand. There was a sense of relief as Kolisi and his charges survived Buenos Aires with a win. That they did so despite captain Siya Kolisi leaving the field injured during the first half should give South Africans pause, however.

Siya Kolisi Injury: South Africa Questions Remain Despite Win Over Argentina

Sunday’s clash was always going to be tough. South Africa have seldom pulled up trees when touring Argentina, and Argentina were fired up and ready to take points off the world champions.

The Buenos Aires atmosphere was electric, almost unbearable at times. The Pumas led 10-3 at halftime and didn’t seem intimidated by their illustrious visitors.

Even after the break, Argentina continued to take the game to South Africa. But while they had the edge in certain areas, especially during the first half, South Africa’s resilience under fire was tested.

They held firm when called upon, showing once more that their blueprint against the Pumas – win ugly if you have to – remains effective. Losing Kolisi halfway through the game sucked the gloss off their win. But with injuries being part and parcel of this brutal sport, it remains to be seen how serious his injury is and how it impacts South Africa’s campaign, prediction markets and oddsmakers at South Africa betting sites reviewed by Bettingtop10 ZA, moving forward.

Springboks Survive Argentine Storm

Argentina were everywhere. The home side hassled South Africa for most of the game, with Nicolas Scola’s charges hassling and harrying the visitors into mistakes. South Africa survived what head coach Rassie Erasmus described as an Argentine storm.

The visitors kept plugging away with strike runners like Burger and Kwagga Rh Marx causing panic in the Pumas’ defensive ranks. It took until late in the second half for South Africa to open the game up. Ultimately, South Africa won through old-fashioned brute force – tight defense and strong carrying at the breakdown.

Kolisi Injury Overshadows Win

Kolisi was injured in the first half and had to leave the field on a stretcher. Reports by Bettingtop10 ZA indicate he suffered a hamstring injury. It is unclear how long Kolisi will be out. That said, it doesn’t take a genius to see how important Kolisi is to the Springbok effort. Kolisi is more than just a great rugby player; he is the captain of the Springboks and leader of the pack. His absence will hurt.

Hanekom Heroics Earn Springboks Needed Win

Cam Hanekom scored the only try of the match to give the Springboks the points they needed to stave off a hungry Argentina side. Hanekom came off the bench and changed the game for South Africa. Not only did he score the game’s only try, but he was also immense carrying the ball forward and getting crucial meters for his team. Argentina deserved a lot of praise for their performance, but Hanekom was a delightful sight for sore South African eyes.

Argentina Battle Until the Final Whistle

The Pumas can hold their heads high after that performance. While the seven-point margin may sting a little, it was another example of how far Argentina have come as a rugby nation. The progress this side has made in such a short space of time is quite remarkable.

South Africa will be relieved to finally take a win in Argentina, something that has eluded them for far too long. Few expected it to be easy, but Argentina showed time and time again why they are no longer easy opponents to beat. However, on the flip side, replacing Kolisi will be a massive question heading into this weekend and next week’s game against the All Blacks. Granted, South Africa have the luxury of depth, but Kolisi is one player they can ill afford to lose. We will have to wait and see how serious the injury is before speculating too much. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: South Africa will be without Kolisi against the Stormers this weekend.