Rugby Championship Review: Exhibition from Down Under and Below the Equator
Hittin' 'em Hard Down Under: The South African Sweep
The Springboks left no doubt about their dominance, stomping their way to victories in all three Tests in the Northern Hemisphere - a feat not achieved since 2013. They rounded off the year with an impressive 11 wins from 13 Test matches.
In a showdown against a tough English side, the Springboks' unmatched talent shone brightest. Rassie Erasmus' squad, with its depth, will continue to be a formidable force leading into 2025.
MVP Hunt: The Springboks' Trophy Case
While several players made a name for themselves in a heavily rotated squad, Pieter-Steph du Toit earned the World Rugby Player of the Year title. Yet, Cheslin Kolbe, who narrowly missed the award, was in exceptional form throughout the series.
Wales or No Wales, the Wallabies Are Building Momentum
After a rocky mid-year, Joe Schmidt's Wallabies started showing their potential during the Northern Hemisphere tour. With impressive wins against England and Wales, the team highlighted the talent within their ranks. But their inconsistency reared its head in a loss to Scotland.
MVP: The New Aussies on the Block
Rob Valentini and Len Ikitau stood out, but Tom Wright's contributions were particularly crucial to the team.
Contepomi's Got the Mojo Working for Argentina
Argentina, brimming with talent, has struggled with consistency. But under Felipe Contepomi, the Pumas seem to have found a coach who can unlock their full potential.
Close losses to Ireland and France demonstrated the team's newfound resilience, while a strong performance against Italy secured their sole victory of the tour. The Pumas can be proud of their grit and growth during this series.
MVP: Argentina's Hidden Gem
Pablo Matera and Juan González Samso were stellar, but Thomas Albornoz emerged as a mature and creative playmaker, offering great promise for Los Pumas.
All Blacks Outshine Expectations
Facing a challenging fixture list, the All Blacks exceeded expectations with a powerful showing. With three wins in four matches, the pressure eased on Razor Robertson in his inaugural year as head coach. Their highlight was a hard-fought victory over Ireland.
Though they lost narrowly to France and edged out Italy, the All Blacks left the tour in a positive position.
MVP: All Blacks' Rising Star
Cam Roigard's return provided the backline with much-needed direction and composure during the series.
Editor’s Pick: Quintin van Jaarsveld Steps In
Quintin van Jaarsveld, a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, offers his expert insights on the Autumn series.
Widely acknowledged as a top-tier sports writer with over 15 years of experience, van Jaarsveld now contributes as a freelance sports writer. Prior to his freelance career, he served as the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com.
- Inconsistency continued to be a challenge for Argentina in the Northern Hemisphere tour, despite a strong showing under Felipe Contepomi, with key losses to Ireland and France.
- The All Blacks made a powerful statement in 2025, overcoming various challenges to secure three victories in four matches, highlighting Cam Roigard's rising form as a crucial player in their backline.
- The Springboks displayed unparalleled dominance in the Northern Hemisphere, with a perfect record of 11 wins from 13 Test matches, including victories over England, and will continue to be a formidable force leading into 2025.
- Len Ikitau and Rob Valentini gained recognition for their standout performances in the Wallabies squad, but Tom Wright's contributions were particularly crucial in the team's wins against England and Wales.
