Rugby Championship 2025: Thrilling Openers, Key Matchups, and Predictions

The Rugby Championship is back with a bang in 2025, promising to deliver some of the most exciting rugby action before a year-long hiatus for the Nations Championship. This year’s tournament kicks off with two high-stakes matches: South Africa hosting Australia and New Zealand facing Argentina. Here’s everything you need to know about the opening round.

South Africa vs. Australia

Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg Time: Saturday, August 16, 1:10am AEST

Springboks Lineup:

• Starters: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
• Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Asenathi Ntabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse

Wallabies Lineup:

• Starters: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, James O'Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper
• Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway

Team News: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has handed the No. 10 jersey to Manie Libbok, while captain Siya Kolisi will play at No. 8. Rising star Edwill van der Merwe gets a start on the wing, and Andre Esterhuizen is at inside center. The Wallabies have made one forced change, with James O'Connor replacing Tom Lynagh at fly-half. However, they face a setback after Ben Donaldson injured himself during training.

Prediction: The Wallabies haven’t won in South Africa since 2010, and their challenge is immense. Despite their confidence from the Lions win, this Test feels beyond them. South Africa by 12.

Argentina vs. New Zealand

Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba Time: Saturday, August 16, 7:10am AEST

Pumas Lineup:

• Starters: Juan Cruz Mallía, Rodrigo Isgró, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Bautista Delguy, Tomás Albornoz, Gonzalo García, Joaquín Oviedo, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Franco Molina, Pedro Delgado, Julián Montoya (c), Mayco Vivas
• Replacements: Ignacio Ruiz, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Joel Sclavi, Guido Petti, Juan Martín González, Simón Benítez Cruz, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo

All Blacks Lineup:

• Starters: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
• Replacements: Samison Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie

Team News: Argentina has welcomed back several key players, including Juan Cruz Mallia and Bautista Delguy. The All Blacks, however, are grappling with injuries, with Cam Roigard and Tamaiti Williams among the sidelined players. Scott Barrett returns as captain.

Prediction: The All Blacks have never lost to Argentina on their home soil, and this trend is likely to continue. However, the Pumas could push for an upset if given a chance. All Blacks by 7.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the Rugby Championship 2025 unfolds!