The Rugby Championship is the premier rugby competition in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina. These teams battle it out in a fast-paced, high-stakes tournament that determines the best rugby nation in the Southern Hemisphere. Since its inception in 2012, the Rugby Championship has grown in prestige, replacing the Tri-Nations tournament that previously included only South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
The 2024 edition of the Rugby Championship delivered another unforgettable tournament, full of intensity, tactical brilliance, and thrilling matchups. South Africa’s Springboks emerged as the 2024 champions, reclaiming the title after a dominant performance. This article breaks down the Springboks’ road to victory, the performances of other teams, and the overall significance of the tournament.
South Africa’s Road to Victory in the 2024 Rugby Championship
Key Matches and Results
South Africa’s path to the championship was defined by a series of commanding performances against their three rival nations. Below is a breakdown of their key matches and results:
| Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs. Australia | 30-12 | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria |
| South Africa vs. New Zealand | 24-19 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| South Africa vs. Argentina | 29-28 (Loss) | Estadio José Amalfitani |
| South Africa vs. Australia | 33-10 | Allianz Stadium, Sydney |
| South Africa vs. New Zealand | 19-13 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| South Africa vs. Argentina | 48-7 | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit |
The final match against Argentina was a decisive victory, securing South Africa’s first championship win since 2019. Their 48-7 win in the final game sealed the title, highlighting their dominance throughout the tournament.
Standout Players of the 2024 Rugby Championship
Eben Etzebeth – A Record-Breaking Performance
One of the most notable moments of the tournament was Eben Etzebeth’s milestone. The Springbok lock earned his 128th cap, surpassing Victor Matfield to become South Africa’s most-capped forward in history. His leadership, physicality, and experience played a crucial role in guiding South Africa to victory.
Cheslin Kolbe – A Try-Scoring Machine
Cheslin Kolbe showcased his world-class finishing ability, scoring multiple tries throughout the tournament. His electrifying pace and ability to break through defensive lines proved invaluable in tight matches against New Zealand and Australia.
Malcolm Marx – The Set-Piece King
The Springboks’ forward dominance was largely due to Malcolm Marx’s outstanding lineout and scrummaging work. The experienced hooker was vital in South Africa’s rolling mauls, leading to crucial tries and penalties.
Aphelele Fassi – The Rising Star
Young fullback Aphelele Fassi made a big impact, scoring two tries in the final match against Argentina. His speed and agility make him one of the most promising backs in the Springboks squad.
How the Other Teams Performed
While South Africa emerged as champions, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina all had moments of brilliance throughout the competition.
New Zealand – The All Blacks Finish Second
The All Blacks secured second place, continuing to be one of the strongest rugby nations despite falling short of the title. Their performances were consistent, but losses to South Africa in Auckland and Johannesburg prevented them from claiming the championship.
Argentina – The Biggest Upset of the Tournament
Argentina’s 29-28 win over South Africa was the biggest upset of the 2024 tournament. Their ability to challenge top teams showed that Los Pumas are no longer underdogs but a force to be reckoned with in world rugby.
Australia – A Tournament to Forget
Australia had a disappointing campaign, losing all six matches and finishing last in the standings. The Wallabies struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading to calls for coaching changes ahead of future tournaments.
Historical Significance of the 2024 Rugby Championship
South Africa’s Rugby Legacy
South Africa’s victory in the 2024 Rugby Championship cements their status as a dominant force in world rugby. Since the competition’s formation in 2012, the Springboks have now won five titles, placing them just behind New Zealand (8 titles).
This victory further strengthens South Africa’s position as one of the most successful rugby nations in history. They currently hold:
- 4 Rugby World Cups (1995, 2007, 2019, 2023)
- 5 Rugby Championship titles
- First team to win back-to-back World Cups (2019 & 2023)
Impact on the World Rugby Rankings
After securing the Rugby Championship title, South Africa remains ranked No. 1 in the world. Their dominant performances against New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina solidify their place at the top of international rugby.
| World Rugby Rankings (Post-2024 Rugby Championship) |
|---|
| 1. South Africa (94.5 points) |
| 2. Ireland (91.2 points) |
| 3. New Zealand (89.8 points) |
| 4. France (89.3 points) |
| 5. England (86.9 points) |
The Springboks’ continued success on the global stage puts them in prime position for the 2025 international season.
Conclusion
The 2024 Rugby Championship once again showcased the very best of Southern Hemisphere rugby. South Africa’s dominance, led by record-breaking performances from Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Malcolm Marx, ensured their place at the top of the international rugby scene. Their final 48-7 win over Argentina was a statement of intent as they continue to be the team to beat.
As the Springboks celebrate their historic triumph, rugby fans around the world eagerly anticipate the next international tournaments, including the 2025 Test matches and the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Will South Africa continue their reign, or will teams like New Zealand, France, and Ireland rise to challenge them? Only time will tell!
Call to Action
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✔️ Follow World Rugby for official rankings, fixtures, and team updates.
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External High Authority Links
For more in-depth coverage and match reports, visit:
- World Rugby – Official rankings, match highlights, and team stats.
- ESPN Rugby – Breaking news and expert analysis on international rugby.
- The Guardian – Rugby – In-depth articles and post-match insights.
- The Rugby Championship Official Site – Match schedules, team lineups, and tournament history.
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