FloRugby's The Rugby Championship Team Of The Week Round Three
FloRugby's The Rugby Championship Team Of The Week Round Three
Rugby Championship Round 3 Team of the Week: Australia’s comeback, NZ’s Eden Park fortress and standout stars from South Africa and Argentina.
Round three of the 2025 Rugby Championship showcased the drama and quality that defines this competition.
In Townsville, Australia pulled off one of their great comebacks, overturning a 21–7 half-time deficit to sink Argentina 28–24 in the dying minutes. Joseph Sua’ali’i’s brace and Angus Bell’s last-gasp try sent the crowd into raptures, underlining Joe Schmidt’s ability to instil composure under fire.
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At Eden Park, New Zealand extended their fortress record to 51 unbeaten Tests with a 24–17 win over South Africa. It was not built on dominance but resilience. The All Blacks were forced to withstand scrum pressure and long spells without the ball, yet their defensive wall stood tall. Beauden Barrett controlled the game with veteran nous, Will Jordan provided the cutting edge, and centurion Ardie Savea delivered the match-sealing turnover.
For the Springboks, there was plenty to admire. Ox Nche anchored a brutal scrum, Eben Etzebeth hit everything in sight, and Malcolm Marx struck from close range. Argentina, meanwhile, will feel frustrated after leading the Wallabies deep into the second half. Julián Montoya, Mateo Carreras and Santiago Chocobares all impressed, but their discipline wavered when it mattered most.
Here is our Team of the Week from a thrilling round three.
1. Ox Nche (South Africa)
Anchored a dominant Springbok scrum that repeatedly bent New Zealand backwards. Added five carries and seven tackles in a tireless display that kept his side on the front foot.
2. Julián Montoya (Argentina)
The heartbeat of Los Pumas’ pack. Hit his lineout targets under pressure and churned through 15 tackles. A captain’s effort in a losing cause.
3. Joel Sclavi (Argentina)
Got the better of Tom Robertson early, winning a penalty, and stayed solid across the contest. Added a crucial turnover to underline his value.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Eleven tackles, eleven metres carried, and relentless physicality. Etzebeth ensured every All Black run into contact came at a cost.
5. Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand)
Best lock on show in round three. Racked up 11 tackles, won two turnovers, and provided a carrying punch when the All Blacks needed to exit their half.
6. Marco van Staden (South Africa)
A nuisance all evening, carrying hard and disrupting New Zealand's ball. His turnover and work rate in contact epitomised the Springbok fight.
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
The century man delivered the defining moment – a last-gasp turnover penalty to clinch victory. Eleven tackles, three defenders beaten, and his trademark leadership in chaos.
8. Harry Wilson (Australia, captain)
Inspired the comeback with clever touches – a grubber, a charge down, and crucial lineout takes. Shades of Kieran Read in the way he orchestrated tempo and pressure.
9. Finlay Christie (New Zealand)
Controlled the Eden Park tempo with tidy distribution and sharp defensive work. His kicking relieved pressure and bought his pack breathing space.
10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
Two try assists and a perfectly weighted 50:22 were vintage Beauden. Didn’t force it, managed territory and kept South Africa chasing.
11. Mateo Carreras (Argentina)
Electric whenever he touched the ball. Scored once, beat defenders, and carved 75 metres from 11 carries. A constant thorn in Australia’s side.
12. Santiago Chocobares (Argentina)
One of the most complete performances of the weekend. Broke the line for Delguy’s try, beat defenders, carried hard and also topped 15 tackles.
13. Joseph Sua’ali’i (Australia)
The comeback catalyst. Bulldozed over for one try, danced through for another, and embodied the Wallabies’ second-half revival.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Classic Kolbe. Beat defenders, sparked the Bok surge, and showed bravery under the high ball. His ambition kept New Zealand nervous.
15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
A game breaker yet again. Scored a decisive try, broke tackles, and patrolled the backfield with authority in a performance that lifted Eden Park.
Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx (South Africa) – Scored, scrapped, and added his usual menace in contact.
17. Angus Bell (Australia) – Match-winner with his 85th-minute try; destructive impact off the bench.
18. Thomas du Toit (South Africa) – Solid set-piece contribution, a reliable anchor when the Boks turned the screw.
19. Nick Frost (Australia) – Key lineout banker and one of the Wallabies’ best in the tight.
20. Marcos Kremer (Argentina) – A machine. Thirty-one tackles and five bruising carries – monstrous shift.
21. Gonzalo García (Argentina) – Crisp service and heavy defensive effort, despite late pressure.
22. Handré Pollard (South Africa) – Controlled field position and nailed a crucial 50:22.
23. Len Ikitau (Australia) – Three try assists and 16 carries; one of the standout backs in Townsville.
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