South Africa defeated Argentina 24-13 in the Rugby World Cup's third-place playoff ©Getty Images

South Africa defeated Argentina in the Rugby World Cup’s third-place playoff at the Olympic Stadium on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London tonight. 

Handre Pollard converted JP Pietersen’s sixth minute try before going on to score three penalties and give Argentina a 16-0 half-time lead.

Nicolás Sánchez got Argentina on the scoreboard with a drop goal just after the restart but it was not  long before Eben Etzebeth's try put the Springboks out of reach. 

Pollard scored a fourth penalty in the 48th minute to make it and although Argentina replied through a Sanchez penalty and a successfully converted late try from Juan Pablo Orlandi, it proved to be in vain as the match ended 24-13. 

"We would loved to have played in the final tomorrow but unfortunately things didn't go our way," said South Africa captain Victor Matfield, who is retiring from international rugby:

"We have a lot of respect for Argentina.

"A bronze medal is better than fourth place.

"I'm just so relieved we won the game."

JP Pietersen scored the first of South Africa's two tries
JP Pietersen scored the first of South Africa's two tries ©Getty Images

Matfield's team-mate Bryan Habana came into the game tied with New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu on a record 15 World Cup tries, but was unable to claim it on his own. 

The 32-year-old winger came agonisingly close to scoring in the first half but was denied by the fingertips of Argentina full-back Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino as they both chased a kick

With just under 15 minutes remaining Habana was replaced by Jan Serfontein and left the field to a rapturous ovation. 

Argentina were aiming to equal their third-place finish in 2007, but having been forced into nine changes it proved a game too far for them.

The Rugby World Cup final is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Twickenham Stadium as New Zealand attempt to complete the successful defence of their crown against Australia.


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