Imhoff hat-trick helps Pumas to first win over Springboks

Monday, 10 August 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

RUGBYU-RC-2015-RSA-ARG

AFP: Winger Juan Imhoff scored a hat-trick of tries as Argentina recorded a historic first win over South Africa by 37-25 on Saturday in the final match of the 2015 Rugby Championship in Durban.

After 18 losses and a draw since the countries first met 22 years ago in Buenos Aires, the Pumas not only defeated the Springboks for the first time but also won away for the first time in the southern hemisphere competition. Imhoff crossed the line twice in the opening half to help underdogs Argentina build a 27-13 half-time lead and South Africa never recovered from his third try early in the second half. The result - only Argentina’s second win in 21 tournament matches - spoilt the Test comeback of Springboks skipper and centre Jean de Villiers, leading his country for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury last November.

De Villiers called the defeat “embarrassing” just five weeks out from the World Cup.

Australia won the Rugby Championship earlier Saturday with a 27-19 triumph in Sydney over world champions New Zealand, Argentina finished third and winless South Africa last.

“We deserved to make history tonight,” said Pumas skipper and hooker Agustin Creevy, “and I am so happy.

“My team played with tremendous heart and the victory is very encouraging after losses to New Zealand and Australia last month.

“It was vital to close the Championship with a win.”

De Villiers said: “That was a pretty embarrassing loss, but all credit to Argentina for executing their game plan so well.

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