Argentina receive mauling from South Africa at Rugby Championship

Springboks have eight different try-scorers and penalty try to keep opponents scoreless from 23rd minute until their only try through Felipe Contepomi in last minute.

Argentinian rugby player Juan Martin Leguizamon (R) vies with South African player Willem Alberts during the Rugby Championship first round match between Argentina and South Africa, on the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, in Soweto, on August 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE
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JOHANNESBURG // A nine try romp ensured for South Africa an easier than expected start to the Rugby Championship as they overwhelmed Argentina 73-13 at Soccer City.

The Springboks were rarely tested in the set pieces and at the breakdown and ran riot in open play in an emphatic performance that they dominated from early on.

Two first-half tries were followed by a one-sided second half as the Pumas defence was repeatedly breached.

Fly-half Morne Steyn missed just a single kick in slotting over eight conversions and four penalties for a personal contribution of 28 points.

The Springboks had eight different try-scorers after the penalty try and kept a meek Argentina scoreless from the 23rd minute until their only try through Felipe Contepomi in the last minute.

Captain Contepomi scored all Argentina's points with a try, conversion and two penalties, but the South Americans were left completely dispirited after coming close to a maiden win in the championship in their debut season in 2012 and then going down by 60 points in their 2013 opener.

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