Rugby - Early try proves key as S. Africa edge Argentina

Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez (C) is challenged by South Africa's players during their Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria August 16, 2014. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

PRETORIA (Reuters) - A first minute try from Ruan Pienaar proved decisive as South Africa beat Argentina 13-6 in Saturday's rain-affected Rugby Championship test at Loftus Versfeld to record a winning start to the annual four-nation competition.

Pienaar’s early score suggested a possible repeat of last year’s runaway 73-13 home win for the Springboks over the South Americans but a heavy downpour turned this year’s opening match for both countries into an unattractive contest. Handling errors and testy exchanges dominated the rest of the game as the converted try proved the difference with Handre Pollard and his replacement Morne Steyn both contributing a penalty while Nicolas Sanchez slotted over two of his own for the Pumas.