The Rugby Championship

The southern hemisphere’s answer to the Six Nations – the Rugby Championship. Previously known as the Tri Nations, the competition is now competed by New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. A gruelling tournament that sees teams travel for miles to compete in different climates and altitudes throughout September.

Using correspondents based in the southern hemisphere, TalkingRugbyUnion bring previews and reviews, together with leading-edge discussion on the issues facing the teams and the tournament.

 
Australia head coach Michael Cheika

Michael Cheika pleased with Australia's win over New Zealand in Bledisloe Cup opener

Australia head coach Michael Cheika said his side was pleased with the 47-26 win over New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Perth last weekend.

Taniela Tupou commits to Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds

Taniela Tupou commits to Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds

Prop Taniela Tupou has committed his immediate future to Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds after signing a four-year deal.

 
Christian Leali'ifano kicked 13 points

Video Highlights: Australia win Bledisloe Cup opener

Australia stunned New Zealand in the opening game of the Bledisloe Cup with a 47-26 win in Perth following a red-card to Scott Barrett. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

 
Handre Pollard was the hero for South Africa

South Africa clinch Rugby Championship title with 13-46 win over Argentina

Handre Pollard contributed with 31 points as South Africa went on to beat Argentina 13-46 in the final round in Salta to win the Rugby Championship tournament.

Scott Barrett returns to the New Zealand line-up

Dane Coles, Scott Barrett in New Zealand's line-up for clash against Australia

New Zealand have drafted in Scott Barrett and Dane Coles in the line-up for the final round of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Perth.

James O'Connor gets his first start for Australia since 2013

James O'Connor included in Australia line-up for Bledisloe Cup opener

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has included James O'Connor in the starting line-up for the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand to be played in Perth this weekend.

Tendai Mtawarira has played 109 times for South Africa

South Africa shuffle front-row for final round clash against Argentina

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has shuffled his front-row for the final round of the Rugby Championship against Argentina to be played in Salta on Saturday.

Agustin Creevy (left) missed the game against Australia

Argentina receive Agustin Creevy boost ahead of clash against South Africa

Argentina have received a much-needed boost ahead of their final round of Rugby Championship clash against South Africa in Salta this weekend with Agustin Creevy returning to the line-up.

New Zealand went on to win the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship in 2018

New Zealand's top position in ranking in line ahead of Bledisloe Cup opener

New Zealand are in danger of losing their number one spot in World Rugby Rankings for the first time in a decade if they suffer a defeat to Australia in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Perth this weekend.

Dane Coles has played 62 Tests for New Zealand

New Zealand focused on retaining Bledisloe Cup - Dane Coles

New Zealand hooker Dane Coles said the All Blacks are focussed on winning the Bledisloe Cup that kicks-off in Perth this weekend.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen

Steve Hansen wants New Zealand to exert pressure on Australia's set-piece

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen urged his side to put pressure on Australia's set-piece in the opening game of the Bledisloe Cup in Perth on 10th August.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus

Rassie Erasmus pleased with South Africa's preparation in Auckland

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said he was satisfied with the preparation of the team in the Auckland camp ahead of the final round of the Rugby Championship.

David Pocock has played 77 Tests for Australia

Australia include David Pocock in squad for Bledisloe Cup opener

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has included David Pocock in the squad for the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand in Perth.

The Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup: A Review

The Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup: A Review

With the Rugby Championship taking a break this weekend, Gareth Hughes looks back at Round Two of the competition and also reviews Japan v Fiji ahead of Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup action.

Scott Barrett has played 29 Tests for New Zealand

New Zealand recall Scott Barrett for final round clash against Australia

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has recalled Scott Barrett in the squad for the final round of the Rugby Championship clash against Australia to be played in Perth on 10th August.

Handre Pollard kicked the decisive conversion in the end for South Africa

South Africa go past England to fourth in World Rugby Rankings

South Africa have moved to the fourth position in the latest World Rugby Rankings following their 16-16 draw against New Zealand in the second round of the Rugby Championship in Wellington last weekend.

Andre Esterhuizen has played seven Tests for South Africa

South Africa add Andre Esterhuizen and Marvin Orie to squad ahead of Argentina clash

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has added centre Andre Esterhuizen and lock Marvin Orie to the squad ahead of the final round of the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Salta.

Brodie Rettalick suffered an injury setback during the game against South Africa

Steve Hansen expects Brodie Retallick to be fit for World Cup

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen is hoping for lock Brodie Retallick to be fit in time for the World Cup after his latest injury setback.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus (centre)

Draw against New Zealand was 'satisfying' - Rassie Erasmus

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said he was relieved to manage a draw against New Zealand in Wellington during the second round of the Rugby Championship.

David Pocock has played 77 Tests

Michael Cheika pleased with David Pocock's progress from injury

Australia coach Michael Cheika provided an update on flanker David Pocock, who has been sidelined with a calf injury.

Sonny Bill Williams played 59 minutes during the game against South Africa

Sonny Bill Williams to miss New Zealand's Rugby Championship clash against Australia

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams will miss the final round clash of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Perth.

Brodie Retallick played 60 minutes during the game against South Africa

Brodie Retallick suffers injury setback in All Blacks' draw against South Africa

New Zealand lock Brodie Rettalick has suffered an injury blow during the recently concluded Rugby Championship encounter against All Blacks in Wellington that ended in a 16-16 draw.

 
Christian Leali'ifano played his first game since 2016

Video Highlights: Australia beat Argentina 16-10 in Brisbane

Christian Leali'ifano made a comeback with 11 points while Reece Hodge scored the solitary try for Australia as they defeated Argentina 16-10 in the second round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

 
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus

Video Highlights: South Africa manage draw against All Blacks to remain at top

A late try from Herschel Jantjies proved vital as Springboks came from behind to draw the Rugby Championship encounter against New Zealand 16-16 in Wellington on Saturday. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

Reece Hodge scored the only try for Australia

Australia overcome Argentina with 16-10 win in Brisbane

Australia bounced back from their defeat against South Africa with a 16-10 win over Argentina in the second round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.

Herschel Jantjies was the hero for Springboks

Late try from Herschel Jantjies help South Africa to 16-16 draw against New Zealand

Herschel Jantjies scored the decisive try in the closing stage while Handre Pollard kicked the conversion as South Africa managed a 16-16 draw against New Zealand in the second round of the Rugby Championship at Westpac Stadium.

Michael Hooper will lead Australia in Rugby Championship

Michael Hooper impressed by James O'Connor

Australia captain Michael Hooper said he is excited to see James O'Connor in action ahead of the Rugby Championship encounter against Argentina in Brisbane.

Head coach of Argentina Mario Ledesma

Argentina make five changes for clash against Australia

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has made five changes for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Australia to be played in Brisbane this weekend.

Christian Lealiifano is named at fly-half for Australia

James O'Connor and Christian Lealiifano in Australia's match-day squad for encounter against Argentina

James O'Connor is set to make his first appearance for Australia in six years after he was named on the bench by head coach Michael Cheika for the second-round clash in the Rugby Championship against Argentina in Brisbane.

Richie Mo'unga is named at fly-half

Beauden Barrett at full-back and Richie Mo'unga at fly-half for New Zealand against South Africa

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named Crusaders star Richie Mo’unga at fly-half for the second round of the Rugby Championship against South Africa to be played in Wellington on Saturday.

Duane Vermeulen has played 46 Tests for South Africa

Duane Vermeulen to lead South Africa against New Zealand

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named Duane Vermeulen as the captain for the second round of the Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand to be played in Wellington this weekend.

Herschel Jantjies had a dream start to his Springboks career

Rassie Erasmus lavishes praise on Herschel Jantjies after impressive debut

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus lavished praise on scrum-half Herschel Jantjies following his impressive performance in the Rugby Championship opening game against Australia in Johannesburg.

Sonny Bill Williams has played 51 Tests for All Blacks

Sonny Bill Williams set to return from injury ahead of Springboks clash

New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams is in line to make a comeback from injury in the upcoming round of the Rugby Championship against South Africa this weekend.

New Zealand edged past a resilient Argentinian side

The Rugby Championship - The view from the North

After the first round of Rugby Championship action, Gareth Hughes takes a look at both games for Talking Rugby Union.

Agustin Creevy has played 83 Tests

Agustin Creevy ruled out of Rugby Championship encounter against Australia

Argentina will miss the services of hooker Agustin Creevy for the upcoming round of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Brisbane following an injury.

Siya Kolisi continues to remain on the sidelines

South Africa name squad for tour of New Zealand and Argentina

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named 36 member squad for the final two rounds of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand and Argentina.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen

Steve Hansen admits New Zealand were 'rusty' against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen admitted that the All Blacks were 'rusty' in the Rugby Championship opening game against Argentina in Buenos Aires last weekend.

 
Beauden Barrett kicked 10 points

Video Highlights: New Zealand start Rugby Championship campaign with 16-20 win over Argentina

New Zealand managed to hold off Argentina in the second half to complete a thrilling 16-20 win in Buenos Aires in their Rugby Championship opening round on Saturday. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

Ngani Laumape scored the opening try for All Blacks

New Zealand edge out Argentina 16-20 in Buenos Aires

New Zealand scored all the points in the first half as they edged out Argentina 16-20 in their Rugby Championship opener in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

 
Elton Jantjies kicked five conversions

Video Highlights: South Africa beat Australia 35-17 in Rugby Championship opener

South Africa scored five tries including a double from debutant from Herschel Jantjies as they completed a 35-17 bonus point win over Australia at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

Herschel Jantjies made a dream debut for South Africa

South Africa kick-start Rugby Championship 2019 with bonus-point win over Australia

South Africa made a dream start to the Rugby Championship 2019 tournament as they completed a 35-17 bonus point win over Australia at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.

Isi Naisarani the only debutant in Australia team

Isi Naisarani set for Australia debut in Rugby Championship opener against Springboks

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has included Melbourne Rebels number eight Isi Naisarani in the starting line-up for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Nicolas Sanchez is named at fly-half

Argentina name matchday squad for clash against All Blacks

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has confirmed the matchday squad that will take on New Zealand in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen

Five uncapped players in New Zealand's matchday squad for clash against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named five uncapped players in the matchday squad for the Rugby Championship opening game against Argentina to be played in Buenos Aires.

Christian Lealiifano suffered a shoulder injury

Scott Sio and Christian Lealiifano ruled out of Australia's Rugby Championship opener

Australia have suffered injury blows ahead of the Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg with Scott Sio and Christian Lealiifano ruled out of the encounter.

Eben Etzebeth has played 75 Tests for South Africa

Eben Etzebeth to lead South Africa in Rugby Championship opener against Australia

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named lock Eben Etzebeth as the captain for the opening game of the Rugby Championship against Australia to be played in Johannesburg.

Argentina - Will it be the same old story?

Argentina - Will it be the same old story?

The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend and after an Argentine franchise shone in Super Rugby this season, could the Pumas make an impact in this year's tournament?

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus

South Africa suffer Aphiwe Dyantyi blow ahead of Rugby Championship opener

South Africa have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their Rugby Championship opening game against Australia in Johannesburg with Aphiwe Dyantyi sidelined.

Ben Smith has played 76 Tests for New Zealand

Ben Smith feels Rugby Championship pivotal for All Blacks' World Cup campaign

New Zealand utility back Ben Smith insisted that the upcoming Rugby Championship will set the precedent for All Blacks' World Cup campaign to be played later this year in Japan.

Sam Cane has played for New Zealand 60 times

Sam Cane to captain New Zealand in Rugby Championship opener against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed back-row Sam Cane to lead the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opening game against Argentina to be played in Buenos Aires on 21st July.

James O'Connor last played for Australia in 2013

James O'Connor and David Pocock to link-up with Australia squad

Fly-half James O'Connor has been handed a Wallabies lifeline as he will train with the Australian squad ahead of their Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Sonny Bill Williams has played 51 Tests for New Zealand

Hamstring injury makes Sonny Bill Williams a doubtful starter in New Zealand's Rugby Championship opener

Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams has suffered another injury setback that puts him in doubt for the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Christian Lealiifano last played for Australia in 2016

Australia include Christian Lealiifano in 34-man squad for Rugby Championship opener against South Africa

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has recalled Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano in the 34-man squad for the Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Siya Kolisi has a knee injury

South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi ruled out of Rugby Championship opener against Australia

South Africa will miss the experience of skipper Siya Kolisi for the upcoming Rugby Championship opening game against Australia in Johannesburg on 21st July after the Stormers flanker failed to recover from a knee injury.

James O'Connor has played 44 Tests for Australia

James O'Connor set for Wallabies return after six years following long-term contract signing with Reds

Fly-half James O'Connor is set to resume his Australia career after a six-year hiatus when head coach Michael Cheika announces the squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship tournament.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen

New Zealand name four new players in squad for first two Rugby Championship games

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named four new players in the 39-man squad for the opening two rounds of the upcoming Rugby Championship tournament.

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus

Bulls loose forward Marco van Staden added to South Africa training camp

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has added Bulls loose forward Marco van Staden to the training squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship tournament.

David Pocock has played 77 Tests for Australia

David Pocock set to miss Australia's Rugby Championship opener against South Africa

Australia are set to miss the services of David Pocock for the Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg after failing to make sufficient recovery from a calf injury.

Handre Pollard is among the players to join the training camp

South Africa add 13 more players to preparation camp in Pretoria

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has added 13 players to their preparation camp in Pretoria ahead of the Rugby Championship tournament.

Handre Pollard kicked 15 points for South Africa against New Zealand

No rankings change for teams after final round of Rugby Championship

The final round of the Rugby Championship saw the teams retain their respective positions in the World Rugby Rankings.

Sam Cane left the field just before the half-time in Pretoria

New Zealand's Sam Cane ruled out of November internationals with fractured neck

New Zealand flanker Sam Cane is set to miss the November internationals following a fractured neck that he sustained in the final round of the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa in Pretoria last weekend.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi

'Soft moments' cost us game against New Zealand - Siya Kolisi

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi blamed his side's 'soft moments' for the 30-32 defeat against New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria.

Steve Hansen led New Zealand to another Rugby Championship title

Steve Hansen proud of New Zealand's fightback in Pretoria

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen lavished praise on his side for their last-gasp win over South Africa in the final round of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria last weekend.

 

The Rugby Championship 2019 Fixtures & Results

 

The Rugby Championship 2019 Points Table

 
 
Talking Rugby Union
 
 
 
 
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