Composed Boks deliver heroics at the death to keep Rugby Championship race thoroughly alive

The Springboks managed to cut out much of the noise emanating from a tough week off the field to keep their Rugby Championship title hopes alive with a 36-20 victory over the Pumas in Buenos Aires on Saturday night.

Yet, in a clash typical of the seesawing nature of this fixture over the past decade, the world champions had to overcome the adversity of two second-half yellow cards and a stirring comeback from the hosts before brilliantly scoring two tries in the final seven minutes to sensationally claim a full house of five log points.

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It leaves the Boks level on 14 points with the All Blacks, with only a points difference separating the two great foes.

Composure and incisiveness that were on show at the death were also the hallmarks of an excellent first half for the South Africans, who dominated the gainline battle, varied their power game on attack beautifully and capitalised on a horror show for the hosts in terms of discipline.

The try-scoring commenced with a penalty try when home flyhalf Santiago Carreras was carded for making a "try-saving" tackle from a blatant offside position.

Jaden Hendrikse, impressive with his general play, then dummied from close range before the irrepressible Malcolm Marx rounded off a potent maul, a significant moment of reward given how that traditional strength has been nullified by opponents this season.

Armed with a 22-6 halftime lead, the Boks took the foot off the pedal after the turnaround, became sloppy and allowed the Pumas a way back in.

The only reason why the score remained static in the third quarter was because a scrambling Bok defence managed to hold out the hosts.

But Willie le Roux was carded following