South Africa eye back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- South Africa is favored to win the Rugby Championship title for the second straight year, needing a bonus-point victory against Argentina.
- The final round features a crucial match between South Africa and Argentina in London, and Australia versus New Zealand in Perth.
- New Zealand still has a mathematical chance to win the title if results favor them, while Australia seeks to end a 10-game losing streak against the All Blacks.
- The future of the Rugby Championship is uncertain due to upcoming scheduling changes, including a 'Greatest Rivalry' tour and the launch of a new Nations Cup in 2026.
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus anticipates a strong fightback from Argentina despite their recent heavy defeat.
South Africa enters the final round of the Rugby Championship as firm favorites to claim a second consecutive title when they play Argentina at Twickenham, holding a slender one-point lead over New Zealand. A bonus-point victory will guarantee the Springboks the championship, though coach Rassie Erasmus anticipates a fierce challenge from Argentina despite their heavy loss last week. New Zealand coach Scott Robertson remains hopeful for a title upset, while Australia, playing James Slipper's final Test, is focused on breaking a decade-long losing streak against the All Blacks. Beyond the immediate drama, the future of the Rugby Championship is uncertain due to scheduling changes, including a planned 'Greatest Rivalry' tour between South Africa and New Zealand next year and the launch of a new Nations Cup in 2026. Erasmus admitted uncertainty about how the international calendar will settle, expressing a desire to continue playing traditional rivals like Argentina and Australia.
