Rugby Championship: Round 2 Preview - Springboks eye revenge after Wallabies upset

Australia's incredible comeback win over the Springboks was the headline of round one, as Joe Schmidt's side defied the odds and fought back from a 22-0 deficit. Australia rose to the occasion in Johannesburg, with a flourish of second half tries racking up a stunning 38-22 win. New Zealand flexed their muscles upon a rare trip to Cordoba, and dominated three-quarters of the match against Argentina. Los Pumas rallied in the final 20 minutes, yet the match was already out of reach as the All Blacks prevailed 41-24.

So, with all four of the squads soon to be announced ahead of the second round of the 2025 Rugby Championship, here's our preview for the upcoming clashes across South Africa and Argentina.

After the chaos of Ellis Park, the Rugby Championship shifts to Cape Town where South Africa and Australia meet in a rematch dripping with intrigue. The Wallabies stunned the rugby world last weekend, overturning a 22-0 deficit to storm home 38-22 and record their first victory at Ellis Park since 1963. Fraser McReight was immense at the breakdown, Harry Wilson crossed twice, and James O’Connor pulled the strings in a performance that breathed new belief into Joe Schmidt’s side.

For South Africa, the scars of Johannesburg are clear. Rassie Erasmus has responded with 10 changes, some forced by injuries to Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse, and others born of necessity after the Boks fell apart in the second half. The recall of Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe adds proven pedigree, while RG Snyman and Malcolm Marx bring physical edge. Jesse Kriel captains a side desperate to restore pride in front of a Cape Town crowd.

The Springboks know another slip would leave their title hopes hanging by a thread, and Erasmus has spoken openly of “hurting” after letting the country down last weekend. The Wallabies, meanwhile, travel south buoyed by history but aware that a wounded Springbok side at DHL Stadium is a different prospect altogether.

Australia have yet to announce their team, but Schmidt will be tempted to stick with the core that produced one of the nation’s great comebacks. Cape Town is set for another bruising chapter in this fast-starting Championship.

New Zealand arrive in Buenos Aires sitting back atop the world rankings after their 41-24 victory over Argentina in Córdoba, yet Scott Robertson’s men know they cannot afford a repeat of their second-half lapse.

The All Blacks were imperious before the break, racing to a 31-10 lead on the back of Sevu Reece’s finishing, Cortez Ratima’s sharp support play, and the power of Ardie Savea and Tupou Vaa’i at the set-piece. But indiscipline, yellow cards, and a lack of possession control saw the Pumas claw their way back into the contest, with Tomás Albornoz and Joaquín Alviedo igniting belief among the home crowd.

Argentina, for their part, take confidence despite the defeat. Albornoz has become one of their most dangerous attacking weapons, his running threat and 14-point haul in Córdoba a reminder of his growing influence. Pablo Matera and Marcos Kremer set the physical tone in the loose, while captain Julián Montoya’s flawless lineout throwing kept the platform steady against New Zealand’s air-borne giants.

Crucially, Los Pumas have never beaten the All Blacks on home soil, but their 2020 win in Sydney and this year’s victory over the British & Irish Lions in Dublin suggest they are closer than ever to breaking that barrier. Robertson has stressed discipline and composure as the focus for Round 2, warning that Test matches can turn “on a moment, a card, or two tries back-to-back.” If Argentina can sustain their intensity for 80 minutes, an upset is possible. Yet New Zealand’s depth, power at the maul, and clinical finishing still make them heavy favourites to extend their dominance in this rivalry.