"The current edition of the Rugby Championship has been captivating, the most open in living memory and with two rounds remaining all four nations are firmly in contention for the title. Last weekend witnessed another thriller between Australia and Argentina the Pumas edging home 28-26 while the Springboks produced their most dominant display since the 2023 World Cup with a record victory against the All Blacks."
"Enjoy it, because the Rugby Championship is set for a hiatus next year and there remains uncertainty as to what will happen thereafter. In 2026, following the first tranche of the inaugural Nations Cup matches, New Zealand are set to tour South Africa in what is being billed as the Greatest Rivalry. Three Tests are expected with a money-spinning fourth mooted for a neutral venue, possibly Twickenham and a handful of tour matches involving club sides."
The Rugby Championship is currently highly competitive, with two rounds remaining and all four nations on the same win-loss record, making the title wide open. Recent rounds featured a thrilling 28-26 win for Argentina over Australia and a record Springboks victory over New Zealand, answering doubts about South Africa's form. Australia sit atop the table and remain optimistic about reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup. The tournament faces imminent disruption: a hiatus next year, a 2026 New Zealand tour of South Africa billed as the Greatest Rivalry, a truncated 2027 because of the World Cup in Australia, and uncertainty over 2028–29 schedules.
#rugby-championship #international-rugby-scheduling #greatest-rivalry-new-zealand-v-south-africa #bledisloe-cup
Read at www.theguardian.com
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