Double delight for South Africa in the 2025 Rugby Championship?

Their first triumph since 2019 put an end to three consecutive wins for New Zealand, and the Springboks will hope this is the start of their own dominant spell in the competition.

Last year, South Africa was irresistible, and they would have gone unbeaten across the tournament, had it not been for a pulsating 29–28 loss to Argentina in their penultimate match.

Across last year’s tournament, the Springboks made a point out of scoring tries and keeping the opposition out. Their trip to face Australia in a double-header saw South Africa win 33–7 and 30–12.

When they took on New Zealand, the Springboks secured a 31–27 win, followed by a cagier 18–12 triumph. While New Zealand was able to keep South Africa’s attack honest, the Springboks did the same to the All Blacks.

Their stunning loss to Argentina followed their clash with New Zealand, and they ended their campaign with a consummate 48–7 win over the Pumas to secure the trophy.

This year, the buzzword will be consistency, and leading betting site promotioncodes.co.za report that bookmakers are expecting more of the same from South African favourites.

South Africa was sublime in their opening four, but their levels dropped against Argentina. While the Pumas were exceptional in their clash, they would not likely have beaten a South African side playing close to their ceiling.

In 2025, South Africa opens the defence of their crown with a double-header at home against Australia. Their 55% winning ratio against the Aussies is not one many will expect to see slip down towards the 50% mark. Indeed, it is almost unthinkable that South Africa would lose at home to their inconsistent opponents.

Raw power in the forwards, alongside slick and quick play from the backs, will see South Africa beat better sides than Australia over the next few years.

Weeks three and four see South Africa face their biggest tests of the campaign. Whereas they had home advantage against New Zealand last time out, they have to travel to take on the All Blacks this time round.

South Africa have won just 39% of their matches against New Zealand, while they are the only side that have a positive overall points record against the Springboks (+446).

Two tight wins in 2024 showed the two sides are not far apart on the pitch, and perhaps it was the vociferous atmosphere created by the home fans that ultimately saw the Springboks win.

Four wins in their last four meetings, including their 12–11 triumph in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, has South Africa on the up against New Zealand, and it will take something special to knock the Springboks off their perch. While New Zealand will push South Africa very close, they may still be half a step behind the double World Cup winners.

South Africa’s title defence ends with a home game against Argentina, before they travel to face their opponents. While Argentina did beat the Springboks at home, it is tough to see them doing it again.

South Africa have an 87% winning record against the Pumas, winning 33 of their 38 meetings. Argentina are much better than they were 10 years ago, but they are still not on the same level as South Africa.

While New Zealand has the ability to push South Africa all the way, this Springboks side arrives for the tournament as the double World Cup winners, and as champions of the Rugby Championship.

The experience a side gains from going deep at tournaments and winning trophies is invaluable, and that will be something that sees the men in green over the line this year.