The world champion Springboks, who had the chance to win the game with a late penalty from fly-half Manie Libbok that was missed, lead the table with 19 points from second-placed Argentina on 14 points ahead of a final meeting between the sides in Nelspruit next Saturday where the title will be decided.

Argentina scored four tries through wing Mateo Carreras, flanker Pablo Matera, prop Joel Sclavi, and Albornoz as they took advantage of a first half yellow card for visiting wing Kurt-Lee Arendse and turned a 17-0 deficit into a 26-22 half-time lead.

South Africa, who had made 10 changes to their side after resting several regulars, scored tries via full-back Aphelele Fassi, centre Jesse Kriel and scrum-half Cobus Reinach as they lost for the first time in this year’s championship.