South Africa dominated the 2024 Rugby Championship last year, winning five of their six games and winning the title by eight points over New Zealand. Will the same occur this year?
The Springboks will enter the competition with strong odds. They are already being posted as the favourites to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup in the latest rugby betting odds being offered by bookmakers, and they’ll be a strong contender for the title in the upcoming competition that begins in August.
However, will they be able to defend their title? Will the strong betting odds that have been presented for a major tournament in the future provide an insight into what may happen when they take to the field against the All Blacks, Australia, and Argentina once again?
Why SA have a strong chance once again this year
The Springboks have consistently demonstrated why they are often among the leading contenders in the betting for many of the matches and tournaments they participate in. As noted, they were dominant in the 2024 edition of the Rugby Championship, and have continued to be so in the internationals played since.
Defeats rarely occur. In the six games since last year’s competition, they’ve won each game they have played. These have included:
- Scotland 15-32 South Africa
- England 20-29 South Africa
- Wales 12-45 South Africa
- South Africa 42-24 Italy
- South Africa 45-0 Italy
- South Africa 55-10 Georgia
They’ve embarrassed their opponents in each of the games they have played so far, which is why they will be among the heavy favourites to win. It’s been equally impressive that they have managed to do it with a squad that has been blended with youth and experienced talent by Rassie Erasmus. Despite these victories, the coach has noted that he expects further improvements to be made.
We already know that the squad will involve a fresh mixture when they take on Australia in the opening two games on August 16 and 23. The 37-man team includes a mix of World Cup winners, established internationals, and promising newcomers. The team will be without Jasper Wiese, as he serves a four-week suspension, meaning he misses both games against Australia and the Eden Park encounter against New Zealand.
The encounters against Australia in the opening two matches could be considered favourable, too. They will take on a team that has been struggling for a period of time, and with two home games in a country that has become a rugby fortress, the Springboks will be confident of their chances. Last year, they were victorious in both encounters, winning 33-7 and 30-12 when in Australia.
The games against the All Blacks in New Zealand could be a test, but they’ll fancy themselves when they take on Argentina in South Africa and England to finish the campaign.
Could SA struggle at all?
While the bookmakers are unlikely to provide long odds for SA, is there a possibility that they could struggle to do well in the 2025 Rugby Championship and retain their title?
New Zealand poses the toughest challenge and can cause an upset. However, the Springboks did overcome them in both games last year, albeit in rather close games. The All Blacks have been in good form since the last tournament, winning seven of eight matches. The loss to France was by one point.
Key players have been left out of the initial side for the Australia tests, which could prove costly, given the absence of some very experienced players. Suspensions and injuries could also cause havoc for the team against New Zealand and Argentina, should anything happen during the two games against Australia.
While it seems unlikely, anything can happen in rugby, and South Africa will be aware of that.
