Rugby's Powerhouses Collide: Why You Need to Watch The Rugby Championship
Rugby's Powerhouses Collide: Why You Need to Watch The Rugby Championship
The Rugby Championship begins Aug. 16, as four of the world's best rugby teams play in the epic series, including No. 1 South Africa and No. 2 All Blacks.
Fans of international rugby will have their sights set on the highly anticipated Rugby Championship come Aug. 16, as four of the best men’s teams in the world vie for a massive wins on a global scale.
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Over the course of six weeks, No. 1 South Africa, No. 2 New Zealand, No. 6 Australia and No. 7 Argentina will go head-to-head in two-game series each, until the highest-standing squad is crowned champion.
Here's a look at each team with insight from from FloRugby's Philip Bendon:
No. 1 South Africa Springboks
The No. 1-ranked South Africa Springboks, and reigning Rugby Championship winners, headline the competition and already have displayed their dominance this season.
They enter this year’s championship undefeated, taking a two-game series over Italy to kick off the summer season. More recently, they defeated Georgia in a 55-10 smashing.
The Boks are in good hands with coach Rassie Erasmus at the helm and the No. 3-ranked player in the world Pieter-Steph du Toit on their side, but Bendon says there’s one opponent they must defeat to see glory.
“This season, they are red-hot favorites to add a sixth title to their ledger," Bendon said. "But to do so, they have to beat the All Blacks at least once in New Zealand, which will be their big, big target."
No. 2 New Zealand All Blacks
The New Zealand All Blacks are right behind the Springboks at No. 2 in the world and very well could show South Africa the door this time around.
The All Blacks also have yet to drop a game this year, having swept France in their three-match series this summer.
New Zealand harbors the best men’s rugby player in the world, Ardie Savea, but he is just one star out of the studded All Blacks roster.
However, Bendon said he’s excited to see some younger players rise to the occasion.
“I’m really excited to see what Hurricanes star Ruben Love can do with some game time in the black shirt,” Bendon said. “I don’t know what it is, but he just really reminds me of Carlos Spencer. He’s just so much fun to watch.”
No. 6 Australia Wallabies
Australia hopes to have a serious comeback in The Rugby Championship to end a decade-long title drought.
Through troubles on and off the field, the Wallabies will need to find their rhythm under second-year head coach Joe Schmidt, who worked wonders for the Irish and New Zealand teams.
The squad is equal at one win and one loss on the season and will continue, and finish, its series against the British and Irish Lions before The Rugby Championship.
“In my opinion, (Joe Schmidt) is the best rugby coach in the game today, bar none from a tactical standpoint." Bendon said. "He just sets in really clear instructions and structures for his team."
No. 7 Argentina Los Pumas
If the Rugby Championship is going to test anyone’s capabilities, it’s the Argentina Los Pumas, the surprise squad from 2024.
Argentina beat South Africa, New Zealand and handed Australia a historical blowout loss last summer.
The 2025 team started off strong by defeating the British and Irish Lions, but couldn’t muster a win against England in their two-game series.
Los Pumas have suffered uncertainty around their starting lineup this season, which looks to be resolved in time for the championship.
“I probably wouldn’t really read into either of those matches or series as an indicator of what Argentina will do in The Rugby Championship this year, just given that they were missing most of their frontline players,” Bendon said.
How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025
In the United States, rugby fans can watch 2025 The Rugby Championship on FloRugby and the FloSports App.
The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Sept. 27
Oct. 4
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.