Springboks Primed For Championship Defence As All Blacks Lurk

The 2025 Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend, marking the final edition before a year's hiatus for the revamped Nations Championship in 2026. All eyes are on South Africa as they aim to secure consecutive titles, a feat they have yet to achieve since Argentina joined the competition.

South Africa welcomes Australia to Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, while the All Blacks embark on a challenging two-match tour of Argentina. Injury concerns within the New Zealand camp are expected to play a significant role in the opening rounds.

Rassie Erasmus has named his Springbok squad for the opening test with Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe and Jesse Kriel forming a dangerous-looking back three. Veteran playmaker, Manie Libbock, will pull the strings from fly-half, outside a strong-looking pack. Siya Kolisi captains the side from the blindside flank.

Dave Rennie has named a strong-looking Wallabies side who will travel to Johannesburg, with Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii named in an exciting-looking back three. Veteran James O'Connor starts at fly-half, outside Nic White at scrum-half. Australia will be hoping for a strong performance from their forward pack, led by Will Skelton in the second row.

The Springboks enter the tournament as the team to beat, according to SuperSportBet, but the All Blacks are hot on their heels. Despite boasting two Rugby Championship titles since Argentina's inclusion (2019 and 2024), South Africa's current standing in the global game and their squad depth make them strong contenders to add to their tally.

South Africa's preparation for the tournament included a match against the Barbarians, which they won comfortably 54-7, followed by a tour of Italy and Georgia. The Springboks secured a 42-24 victory against Italy before a dominant 45-0 win in the second Test. A similar performance saw them defeat Georgia 55-10.

Following the two opening games against Australia, South Africa face two crucial matches against New Zealand, with the first taking place at Eden Park, Auckland, where the All Blacks hold a formidable 50-game unbeaten record. The second match will be held in Wellington. The Springboks will then host Argentina in Durban before concluding the Championship with another match against Los Pumas at Twickenham Stadium in London.

South Africa’s Fixtures

• Saturday, August 16: v Australia (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
• Saturday, August 23: v Australia (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
• Saturday, September 6: v New Zealand (Eden Park, Auckland)
• Saturday, September 13: v New Zealand (Sky Stadium, Wellington)
• Saturday, September 27: v Argentina (Kings Park Stadium, Durban)
• Saturday, October 4: v Argentina (Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London)

While SuperSportBet have South Africa as favourites, the All Blacks are expected to mount a strong challenge, making the 2025 Rugby Championship a must-watch for rugby fans.

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