Argentina Legends Claim Classic Title in Bruising Decider
IslandStats.com
The World Rugby Classic concluded its round-robin phase with a night of drama and high-stakes rugby, culminating in a bruising final showdown that saw the Argentina Legends dethrone the defending champions, Classic South Africa, to lift the 2025 title.
The National Sports Centre North Field was packed for the 9:00 pm decider, a match that lived up to its billing and escalated into an intense physical confrontation.
Argentina, needing a victory to overtake the Springboks in the league standings, started strongly, scoring first to take an early 7-0 lead. The Legends dominated possession for most of the first half, but a clinical steal allowed South Africa to run from deep in their half, scoring under the posts to level the score at 7-7 by the half-time whistle.
The second half saw tempers flare in a truly heated contest. The referee and line judges had their hands full to maintain order, with a large melee seeing a South African player knock out an Argentinian player. After medics attended to the player and order was restored, the referee sent a South African player to the sin-bin. Argentina took full advantage of the infringement, slotting two crucial penalties to take a 13-7 lead—a lead they would not relinquish. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 13-7 victory for Argentina, securing the championship title.
The evening’s opening fixtures also delivered tense rugby:
Classic Canada vs. Classic Eagles (USA): In a reverse of the Sevens final, Classic Canada defeated the Classic Eagles 37-15. Canada jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but the Eagles roared back to take a 15-10 advantage. Canada responded just before the half with a try and conversion to lead 17-15. In the second half, Canada scored 20 unanswered points to claim the decisive victory.
Classic Lions vs. Italian Classic XV: This was a fiercely contested defensive battle that saw the Italian Classic XV edge the Classic Lions 26-24. Italy took an early 12-0 lead before the Lions pulled within five. Italy restored their lead to 19-7 at the break. Despite a furious second-half comeback that saw the Lions outscore Italy 17-7, a missed conversion proved the difference, costing the Lions the two points that would have drawn them level.
The results bring the curtain down on the World Rugby Classic fifteens tournament, with the Argentina Legends celebrating a hard-earned championship title.
