South Africa 14 Argentina 7

South Africa claimed their fifth World Rugby Classic last night with a hard fought victory over Argentina at the National Sports Centre.

Henno Mentz scored two tries for the Springboks with Percy Montgomery kicking two conversions.

Van der Ghotle scored Argentina’s try with Federico Todeschini adding the conversion.

Springboks coach Robbie Fleck, whose side played with 13 men towards the end of the first half due to two yellow cards, hailed his side’s fighting spirit.

“The boys showed a lot of character and guts,” said Fleck, who was coaching the Springboks for the first time at this year’s Classic.

“In the first half we had a lot of pressure and all credit to the Argives they put us under huge pressure.

“We had to play with 13 men and the guys sucked it up. I think that was telling going into the second half and we were able to keep them under pressure.

He added: “I’ve played at the Classic for many years but this was my first as coach. I’ve really enjoyed my first year as coach — it’s been great fun.”

In last night’s Plate final Australia defeated Canada 36-21 in a highly entertaining game.

The Wallabies, who won last year’s Classic, made a strong start with Andrew Walker scoring a try after nine minutes which Gavin DeBartolo converted.

Tries from Ben Sangrove and William Johnson handed Australia a 17-0 lead at the interval as the Canadians struggled to get to grips with their opponents slick passing game.

Dick Standard scored Australia’s fourth try early in the second period before Canada’s Dan Harlow registered his side’s first try, which was kicked by Derek Daypuck to make it 22-7.

Australia responded immediately when Steve Kofu forced his way through for a try which Daniel Nethery kicked home.

Daypuck then capitalised an defensive error for Canada’s second try which he also kicked to make it 29-14.

Walker added his second of the game and kicked the conversion to restore Australia’s 22-point lead.

Canada kept pushing forward and got their just rewards when Aaron Mittler powered through for a try, kicked by Daypuck, to leave the score 36-21.