Malcolm Marx may have scored the tries and the backs may have provided the flair, but South Africa’s Rugby Championship title was truly forged by the unsung heroes of their tight five. The relentless, grinding work of the props, locks, and hooker laid the unshakeable foundation for victory.
From the very first scrum, the front row of Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, and Frans Malherbe (and their replacements) sent a clear message of physical dominance. They consistently drove the Argentinian pack backward, winning a stream of penalties that became the lifeblood of the Springbok game plan.
Behind them, the lock pairing, led by the colossal Eben Etzebeth, was immense. Their work in the lineout secured vital possession, their power in the maul was unstoppable, and their defensive work rate was phenomenal. They were the engine room of the entire forward effort.
This collective dominance in the tight exchanges is what separated the two teams. It created the pressure that led to the Argentinian yellow card and provided the platform for Marx’s two tries. It was a masterclass in the unglamorous but essential arts of forward play.
While the glory is often shared among the try-scorers, this championship belongs to the men in the trenches. Their tireless and technically brilliant work in the scrum, maul, and ruck was the true reason the Springboks are celebrating a historic back-to-back title.