There has been a lot of speculation about the outcome of the Springboks versus Los Pumas match... the tournament rules are clear on what the outcome may be... Australia and New Zealand cannot win the title...but these are the possibilities for Argentina and South Africa...
If South Africa wins or earns a bonus point from the match it will take the title on competition points.
If there is a draw South Africa will take the title on competition points.
If Argentina wins with no bonus point, and South Africa does not get a bonus point, then South Africa will take the title on competition points.
If Argentina wins by a bonus point and South Africa does not get a bonus point the teams will be equal on competition points on the table.
According to the tournament rules for two teams tied on competition points [see below] – and with both teams having won 4 matches - Argentina will take the title based on two wins over South Africa.
Competition Rules - Points will be awarded in all TRC matches on the following basis:
Win 4 points
Draw 2 points
Loss 0 points for loss of more than 7 points
Bonus 1 point for 3 tries or more than opponent
Bonus 1 point for loss within 7 points or less
Position on the competition table shall be determined by competition points as set out above:
- In the event of two or more teams being equal on competition points for any position on the competition table, such position shall be determined by the team with the most wins in the series.
- In the event of (a) not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined by the team with the most wins against the other team/s tied on the same points.
- In the event of (b) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the margin of points scored for and against in the series. The team with the highest margin of points scored for and against is considered the winner.
- In the event of (c) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the margin of points scored for and against by those competing teams. The team with the highest margin of points scored for and against being considered as the winner.
- In the event of (d) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the basis of the team scoring most tries in the series.
- In the event of (e) above not providing a decision, the Series shall be shared between the two teams.