Argentina vs. South Africa: Score and Post-Match Reaction

South Africa scraped past Argentina 22-17 in a hard-fought contest at the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium in Mendoza on Saturday.

The Springboks battled back from 17-10 behind to claim victory with the help of Morne Steyn's boot, but their performance was labelled "unimpressive" by news agency AFP. 

It was Argentina, savaged 73-13 by the Boks just a week ago, that struck first. Juan Manuel Leguizamon powered over after the home side advanced a maul from a line-out deep in South Africa territory.

Felipe Contepomi converted, and then Steyn collected his first of 17 points with a penalty. Although Contepomi replied in kind for Argentina, South Africa drew level when Bjorn Basson's try on 15 minutes was converted to make it 10-10.

Argentina regained their advantage before halftime, when centre Marcelo Bosch broke through a tackle to go over for the hosts' second converted score. It would prove to be their last contribution to the scoreboard.

A Steyn penalty just before break pulled it back to 17-13, and another followed early in the second half to bring the sides within a point.

With 10 minutes remaining, the match was in the balance, but two late penalties from Steyn awarded South Africa the narrow victory.

This was Planet Rugby's assessment of the South Africa effort:

"The Springboks were unable to produce the same clinical finishing that saw them rack up so many points last weekend, sucked into a breakdown battle that they often lost until Steyn's boot prevailed in the closing stages."

Argentina, meanwhile, were praised by Planet Rugby for pulling together after a demoralising defeat last time out. 

"The hosts' general attitude though was outstanding, taking the game to a South Africa side whose execution was far from the excellent level produced the week before."