Rugby Championship: Round 4 - All Blacks chase down Freedom Cup in Springboks clash

Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea in Wellington, New Zealand and South Africa renew rugby’s greatest rivalry, with the Freedom Cup on the line following the All Blacks’ hard-fought win at Eden Park. The 51-match unbeaten streak stayed alive as the All Blacks claimed a memorable 24-17 win in Auckland, with back-to-back triumphs on the mind for Scott Robertson's side.

With both fixtures finely poised and momentum hanging in the balance, Round 4 promises bruising encounters, breakout performances and perhaps a decisive swing in the race for southern hemisphere supremacy.

Australia and Argentina meet again this weekend in Sydney, with both sides desperate to stamp authority on their Rugby Championship campaigns after last weekend’s epic in Townsville. The Wallabies left it late at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, as Angus Bell’s last-gasp try sealed a 28-24 victory in one of the competition’s most dramatic finishes.

Joe Schmidt’s men will be buoyed by that heroic finale, but the truth is they trailed for most of the match and only scraped through thanks to a late surge. Schmidt has rung the changes, with 22-year-old Tane Edmed handed his first Test start at fly-half, Hunter Paisami is recalled in midfield, and stalwart James Slipper returns for his 149th cap. Captain Harry Wilson again leads from No.8, eager to inspire a sharper performance after a stuttering display.

For Los Pumas, the task is simple: finish what they started in Townsville. Felipe Contepomi’s men impressed for long stretches, with Santiago Carreras pulling the strings and Mateo Carreras continuing his sparkling form out wide. Contepomi has freshened his line-up with Guido Petti back in the second row, Joaquín Oviedo starting in the back row, and Rodrigo Isgró taking a wing berth. Pablo Matera drops to the bench but remains a vital impact option, while captain Julián Montoya continues to embody Argentina’s never-say-die spirit.

The stakes are high. With both teams sitting on one win from three matches, Allianz Stadium will be the battleground where momentum and pride collide. For Australia, the challenge is proving they can back up under pressure and not just snatch games at the death. For Argentina, it’s about taking their growing consistency and converting it into statement wins. Expect fire, tempo, and no shortage of bruising collisions as two evenly matched rivals go toe-to-toe once more.

New Zealand and South Africa lock horns once again this weekend, as the Freedom Cup goes on the line in Wellington. The All Blacks emerged victorious at Eden Park in round three, edging the Springboks 24–17 in a bruising contest that reinforced their dominance on home soil.

Emoni Narawa’s stunning opener set the tone for Scott Robertson’s side, with Will Jordan and Quinn Tupaea adding tries in a display that combined the All Blacks attacking verve with defensive steel. For the Springboks, late scores from Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach ensured they left Auckland with a losing bonus point, but Rassie Erasmus will demand a sharper, more disciplined effort if his men are to avoid back-to-back defeats.

The All Blacks have made a handful of adjustments, most notably handing a debut to former Sevens star Leroy Carter on the left wing. His inclusion alongside Jordan and Damian McKenzie gives New Zealand a back three packed with outrageous pace and attacking flair. Scrum half Noah Hotham returns from injury to partner Beauden Barrett in halfback axis, while Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor continue their midfield partnership in the black jerseys.

Up front, Samisoni Taukei’aho starts at hooker in place of the concussed Codie Taylor, with Tyrel Lomax recalled at tighthead and captain Scott Barrett again anchoring the engine room. The Barrett brothers also bring up a combined 300 Test caps this weekend, underlining their enduring influence on this All Blacks side.

South Africa, meanwhile, have rung the changes as Erasmus looks to inject fresh impetus. Ethan Hooker is handed his first Test start on the wing, joining Cheslin Kolbe in a dangerous backline that also features Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie in midfield. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu partners Cobus Reinach at halfback, while Jasper Wiese returns from suspension to bolster the back row.

Captain Siya Kolisi is back on the flank, with Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje combining in the second row. With 626 Test caps in their starting XV, the Boks have the experience and power to turn the tide, and Erasmus has stacked his bench with impact players including RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen.

Sky Stadium has been a happier hunting ground for the Springboks than most New Zealand venues – their last win on Kiwi soil came here in 2018, while the sides played out a tense 16–16 draw at the same ground a year later. With the All Blacks protecting home turf and the Springboks eager to level the series, expect another fierce chapter in rugby’s greatest rivalry.