South Africa scored 10 unanswered second-half points to snatch a lucky 16-16 draw with newcomers Argentina in Saturday’s Rugby Championship match in Mendoza.

Fielding virtually the same side well beaten in Cape Town last weekend, the Pumas were vastly improved and led 16-6 early in the second half at the Estadio Mundialista Malvinas Argentinas.

A Morne Steyn penalty cut the deficit to seven points before Francois Steyn charged down a kick by Marcelo Bosch and raced through to touch down for a converted try.

It was a bitter-sweet day for Argentina in front of a near-capacity crowd in the 45,000-seater as they ended a run of 14 consecutive losses against the Springboks since the first Test between them in Buenos Aires 19 years ago.

But happiness at banishing the jinx was mixed with disappointment at not winning a game they controlled for long stages through superb commitment in the tackle and at the breakdown.

Argentina led 13-3 at halftime against subdued opponents and it took South Africa 57 minutes to threaten a try only for Patrico Albacete to turn the ball over with the Springboks deep inside the 22.

Both teams will rue missed kicks at goal with new fullback Martin Rodriguez kicking three penalties and converting a Santiago Fernandez try, but fluffing two other penalty attempts.

Morne Steyn also made a 11-point contribution via three penalties and a conversion, but failed twice, including a late chance to win the Test with a penalty kick near the touchline.

World champions New Zealand were 22-0 home winners over Australia on Saturday and top the table with eight points after two rounds followed by South Africa with six, Argentina with two and Australia with no points.