Team of the Tournament: 2025 Rugby Championship - Springboks retain the title

The Boks edged past a stubborn Pumas outfit, who pushed South Africa right to the wire at the home of English Rugby. The back-and-forth battle ended 29-27 in favour of the Springboks, with Siya Kolisi then lifting the Rugby Championship trophy to cement South Africa as the Southern Hemisphere's superior side. On the other side of the world, Australia hosted New Zealand in Perth, with the All Blacks bagging a solid 28-14 win on the road.

Back at Eden Park, Will Jordan rediscovered the world-class form he’s known for. Jordan's command under the high ball was assured, and he inserted himself intelligently into open play, injecting energy that lifted the All Blacks. Jordan’s vision and timing were on full display when he set up Caleb Clarke’s early try against Australia. Defensively, he was secure and rarely beaten, reading the Wallabies’ kicks and counter-attacks with poise. Against South Africa, Jordan faced heavy aerial traffic and, while not claiming every contest, he showcased his trademark running lines and composure, culminating in a superb first-half try.

Bautista Delguy concluded the Rugby Championship against South Africa in top form. He scored two tries, blending instinct with execution: a classy team finish followed by a try demonstrating pure anticipation and hunger. Delguy’s reliability under the high ball and relentless chase of kicks gave Argentina balance and stability out wide. Earlier, in Round 3 versus Australia, his pace and energy constantly stretched the Wallabies’ backfield. Delguy's tireless pursuit created pressure that unsettled the opposition and culminated in a sharp finish for his try. Alongside Matteo Carreras, Delguy formed a potent wide pairing that kept their opponents pinned back and showcased his importance to the Pumas’ attacking strategy.

Joseph Sua’ali’i delivered commanding performances, with noteable stand-out efforts for the Wallabies across Rounds 3 and 4 against Argentina. In Round 3, his power and finesse were evident as he scored two standout tries, one after a bruising carry and another from a slick set-piece move. Defensively, Sua'ali'i made crucial tackles to halt Argentine momentum, producing an almost flawless performance. In Round 4, Sua’ali’i continued to dominate, scoring a first-half try and creating another with a clever assist.

Santiago Chocobares was central to Argentina’s backline success during the early rounds of the Championship. In Round 2 against New Zealand, he drove the Pumas’ second-half surge with relentless attacking and defensive work, consistently denting the All Blacks’ gain line for the dramatic win. Round 3 against Australia saw Chocobares orchestrate attacks with intelligent running lines, setting up Delguy’s try and cutting through the Wallabies’ defense. Chocobares' understated yet effective presence at the breakdown and in cover defense exemplified his growing consistency and influence, making him one of Argentina’s most reliable and impactful inside centers.

Filipo Daugunu had a coming of age campaign, and impressed most notably in Rounds 4 and 6 for Australia with electrifying attacking displays. Against Argentina in Round 4, he made an instant impact off the bench, scoring two tries in ten minutes and exploiting gaps with pace and precision. In Round 6 against New Zealand, he was central to the Wallabies’ success down the left edge, combining hard carries, clever linking play, and aerial skill. Defensively, he committed fully to every tackle. After a stop-start season, these performances underlined Daugunu’s ability to change a game with instinctive finishing and sharp footwork.

Sacha Feinberg-Ngomezulu produced masterful performances for the Springboks in Rounds 5 and 6. Against Argentina in Round 5, he scored 37 points, including two tries by half-time, orchestrating the game with precision kicking, intelligent distribution, and audacious attacking for an all-new Springboks' solo points record in a single Test.

In Round 6, he continued to demonstrate composure and creativity, challenging defenders while keeping the Springboks’ attack fluid. Even with minor errors, Feinberg-Ngomezulu’s control and attacking vision confirmed his status as one of the world’s brightest young fly-halves.

Gonzalo Garcia was a key architect of Argentina’s attacking structure. In Round 2 against New Zealand, he finished one of the Pumas’ pivotal tries, orchestrating the backline with pace and precision. Round 4 versus Australia saw Garcia maintaining a constant presence at scrum-half, keeping the game moving with accurate passing and tactical box kicks. Garcia's leadership in directing play and maintaining rhythm underlined his central role in Argentina’s backline, as Los Pumas had their most competitive Rugby Championship campaign to date.

Ox Nche was a dominant force in the Springboks’ front row across multiple rounds. Against Australia in Round 2, his powerful scrummaging and repeated carries dented the Wallabies’ defensive structure. In Round 4 versus New Zealand, he continued to unsettle opposition front rows, creating attacking platforms and providing efficiency around the park. Round 6 against Argentina saw him dismantle the debutant tighthead while maintaining industrious defense and dynamic ruck work. Nche’s consistent brute power and technique reaffirmed his status as the cornerstone of South Africa’s scrum.

Julian Montoya consistently led Argentina with authority, with stand out performances aainst New Zealand, as he drove the Pumas’ set-piece and carried with relentless resolve. Round 3 versus Australia showcased his tireless work at the breakdown and leadership in guiding the team under pressure. Round 4 highlighted his intelligence and physicality as he scored from a chargedown, won key turnovers, and dictated the pace. Montoya’s performances cemented him as a cornerstone of Argentina’s forward dominance and leadership engine.

Fletcher Newell anchored New Zealand’s scrum with maturity beyond his years. Against Argentina, Newell provided front-foot ball and contributed defensively, combining set-piece solidity with mobility. Round 2 saw him score from a close-range drive, further demonstrating his influence. By Round 6 versus Australia, Newell produced a complete performance: bossing scrums, making 19 tackles without a miss, and providing leadership and work rate. At just 24, he is emerging as a long-term cornerstone of the All Blacks’ forward pack.

Ruan Nortje’s performances across the Championship showcased consistency and tireless work rate. Against Australia, Nortje provided lineout stability and strong carries, setting platforms for attack. Then matches against New Zealand saw him dominate the tight exchanges, force key turnovers, and help the Boks control the match. Round 6 against Argentina highlighted his relentless presence at rucks, restarts, and defensive work. Nortje’s unselfish and game-breaking style makes him a first-choice second-row in any high-stakes contest.

On debut in Round 1 against Argentina, Fabien Holland displayed maturity and composure, commanding the lineout and defending efficiently. By the time Round 6 came around versus Australia, the young gun was operating with a calm and effective presence under pressure, with 14 tackles, lineout stabilization, and crucial recoveries. Holland’s performances signaled serious long-term potential as a dependable second-row option for New Zealand.

Pablo Matera embodied Argentina’s fighting spirit in the early rounds. In Round 1 against New Zealand, he carried ferociously and disrupted the All Blacks at the breakdown. Round 2 saw his relentless energy and chaotic disruption of opposition structure at the loose. In Round 3 versus Australia, Matera continued to lead by example, dominating tackles and carries while influencing every phase. His physicality, leadership, and unwavering presence remain central to Argentina’s forward effort as the wild man at the heart of the blue and white pack.

Pieter-Steph du Toit was tireless across the tournament with stellar contributions in Rounds 4 and 5. Du Toit dominated both tight exchanges and open-field opportunities. In Round 4 against New Zealand, he carried hard, tackled relentlessly, and supported crucial phases. Round 5 versus Argentina saw him contribute two tries while controlling collisions and creating second-phase opportunities. Du Toit’s combination of strength, skill, and stamina cemented his influence as a central figure in the Springboks’ engine room.

Harry Wilson led Australia with determination across the Championship. In Round 1 against South Africa, he scored twice, carried relentlessly, and used perfectly timed support lines to drive momentum. Round 6 versus New Zealand showcased his work rate, leadership, and relentless link play down the left edge, exemplifying his value as a forward who combines physicality with tactical awareness.