2014 Rugby Championship

The 2014 Rugby Championship was the third edition of the expanded annual southern hemisphere Rugby Championship consisting of Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The tournament was won by New Zealand, with South Africa second, Australia third, and Argentina last.

2014 Rugby Championship
Date16 August 2014 – 4 October 2014
Countries Argentina
 Australia
 New Zealand
 South Africa
Final positions
Champions New Zealand (13th title)
Bledisloe Cup New Zealand
Freedom Cup New Zealand
Mandela Challenge Plate South Africa
Puma Trophy Australia
Tournament statistics
Matches played12
Tries scored50 (4.17 per match)
Attendance430,582 (35,882 per match)
Top scorer(s)Argentina Nicolás Sánchez (52)
Most triesNew Zealand Julian Savea (4)
2013
2015

The Championship began on 16 August with Australia hosting the defending champions, New Zealand, at the Stadium Australia in Sydney and South Africa hosting Argentina at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The tournament continued for seven weeks, which included two byes, and concluded on 5 October with South Africa versus New Zealand at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg and Argentina versus Australia at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.

On 27 September, New Zealand clinched their third consecutive Championship after a bonus-point 34–13 win against Argentina in La Plata.[1][2] The 2014 Rugby Championship was the first in which New Zealand failed to win all their matches – they drew with Australia in Week 1 and lost to South Africa in Week 6. It also saw the first Championship-match win for Argentina who defeated Australia 21–17 in the last match of the tournament.[3]

Format and standings edit

The format for the 2014 tournament was the same as that for the 2012 and 2013 editions.[4] Each side played the other once at home, and once away; giving a total of six matches each, and twelve in total.[4] A win earns a team four points, a draw two points, and a loss no points. A bonus point can be earned one of two ways: by scoring four tries or more in a match, or by losing within seven points.[5] The competition winner is the side with the most points at the end of the tournament, however if two sides finish equal on points the side with the most wins is placed higher.[5]

Tournament standings[6]
Place Nation Games Points Try
Bonus
Losing
Bonus
Table
points
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Diff
1   New Zealand 6 4 1 1 164 91 +73 3 1 22
2   South Africa 6 4 0 2 134 110 +24 1 2 19
3   Australia 6 2 1 3 115 160 −45 0 1 11
4   Argentina 6 1 0 5 105 157 −52 0 3 7

Summary edit

 
Richie McCaw made a record 134th appearance for New Zealand when he faced South Africa on 4 October 2014, overtaking the New Zealand record held by Colin Meads.

The first match of the championship was between New Zealand (also known as the All Blacks) and Australia (the Wallabies) in Sydney, Australia. The fixture doubled as a Bledisloe Cup match, and ended as a 12–12 draw. The All Blacks started stronger, and led 9–3 at half time, but Australia were much better in the second half. New Zealand had two players temporarily sent-off after being awarded yellow cards, but Australia were unable to capitalize on that advantage during their late dominance. All points were scored from penalties – four from each side. The draw ended a 17-match winning streak by the All Blacks.[7][8] The following week both side met in their second Bledisloe Cup match of the Championship (the third is played following the tournament), but this time at Eden Park in New Zealand.[9][10] The match was comfortably won by New Zealand 51–20, whose scored six tries to Australia's two. The All Blacks were regarded as the more physical of the two teams,[9][10] and scored two tries from mauls.[9] The win meant that New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup (Australia needed to win the three-match series to regain the cup).[10]

The second match of the tournament was between South Africa (the Springboks) and Argentina (the Pumas) and played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. South Africa won 13–6 and scored the only try of the match, which was played in wet and raining conditions.[11] The following week the two teams met again, this time at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena in Salta, Argentina. The Springboks won again, but were considered lucky to get the 31–33 victory. At one stage Argentina were winning by 12 points, and were leading with five minutes remaining, but Springbok Morné Steyn kicked a penalty in the 76th minute to give South Africa the lead and the win.[12]

In weeks three and four, Argentina and South Africa both travelled to Australasia for two away matches. Argentina played the All Blacks in Napier where they lost 28–9, before facing Australia on the Gold Coast where they lost 32–25. The Pumas loss to the All Blacks was played in wet conditions, with New Zealand scoring four tries, and Argentina three penalties.[13] Argentina's loss to Australia was much closer than their defeat in New Zealand. Despite leading by 16 points after 60 minutes, Australia conceded twelve points in the final quarter. Argentina trailed by seven points, the value of a converted try, when they had a scrum deep within Wallabies' territory, but Australia were awarded a free-kick after the Pumas' scrum-half fed the ball too early and the game ended.[14] In the third week the Springboks played Australia in Perth, where the Wallabies won 24–23. The Wallbies had trailed 23–14, but scored ten unanswered points after Springbok wing Bryan Habana, who was playing in his 100th test match, was yellow carded for a high tackle.[15] The following week South Africa played the All Blacks in Wellington. The match was won 14–10 by New Zealand, but only after they resisted repeated South African attacks on their try-line late in the game.[16] The win was the 36th consecutive victory for the All Blacks in New Zealand – a record stretching back to 2009.[17]

The last two weekends of matches were played in South Africa and Argentina. First up the Wallabies faced the Springboks in Cape Town, where South Africa won 28–10. The victory came after a ten-minute period at the end of the match where the Springboks scored three-tries.[18] The same weekend Argentina faced the All Blacks in La Plata. For the New Zealanders the match was overshadowed by the omission of Aaron Cruden, who had missed the flight to Argentina, and was subsequently dropped from the squad for the last two weeks of the Championship.[19] The All Blacks won 34–13, and with the bonus-point win took an unassailable lead in the Championship[20] – giving them their third Rugby Championship, and 13th overall since the inception of the Tri-Nations Championship in 1996.

Despite New Zealand having secured the Championship title a week earlier, the final week of matches proved historic. The first match was the Springboks hosting the All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw played his 134th match for the side, surpassing the national record held by Colin Meads.[21] However the New Zealanders 22-match unbeaten run (going back to December 2012) was ended after a 55 metres (180 ft) penalty kicked by South African Patrick Lambie in the 78th minute gave his side a 27–25 win.[22] The last match of the tournament was between Argentina and Australia at Mendoza. The test was won 21–17 by the Pumas – their first win in the Rugby Championship since joining the competition in 2012. Australia led 14–0 within the first 15 minutes after scoring two early tries, however Argentina slowly accumulated points to overhaul their opponents.[23]

Sponsorship edit

The 2014 Rugby Championship was also known, for sponsorship reasons, as The Castle Lager Rugby Championship in South Africa, The Investec Rugby Championship in New Zealand, The Castrol Edge Rugby Championship in Australia and The Personal Rugby Championship in Argentina.

Fixtures edit

Week 1 edit

16 August 2014
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  12–12  New Zealand
Pen: Beale (4/5) 11', 44', 55', 69'Report[24]Pen: Cruden (4/5) 3', 6', 21', 59'
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Attendance: 68,627
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Pat McCabe
OC 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
IC 12 Matt To'omua
LW 11 Rob Horne
FH 10 Kurtley Beale   70'
SH 9 Nic White   66'
N8 8 Wycliff Palu   70'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)
BF 6 Scott Fardy   66'
RL 5 Rob Simmons
LL 4 Sam Carter
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   78'
HK 2 Nathan Charles
LP 1 James Slipper   70'
Replacements:
HK 16 James Hanson
PR 17 Pekahou Cowan   70'
PR 18 Ben Alexander   78'
LK 19 Will Skelton   70'
N8 20 Scott Higginbotham   66'
SH 21 Nick Phipps   66'
FH 22 Bernard Foley   70'
CE 23 Tevita Kuridrani
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie
 
FB 15 Ben Smith
RW 14 Cory Jane
OC 13 Malakai Fekitoa
IC 12 Ma'a Nonu   57'
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Aaron Cruden   63'
SH 9 Aaron Smith
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Jerome Kaino   38'   48'   69'
RL 5 Sam Whitelock
LL 4 Brodie Retallick
TP 3 Owen Franks   70'
HK 2 Dane Coles   52'
LP 1 Wyatt Crockett   38' to 48'   48'
Replacements:
HK 16 Keven Mealamu   52'
PR 17 Ben Franks   38'
PR 18 Joe Moody   70'
FL 19 Steve Luatua
FL 20 Sam Cane   69'
SH 21 TJ Perenara
FH 22 Beauden Barrett   69' to 79'   63'
CE 23 Ryan Crotty   57'
Coach:
  Steve Hansen

Man of the Match:
James Slipper (Australia)

Touch judges:
Romain Poite (France)
Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official:
Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Notes:

  • Conrad Smith was named in the starting XV, but was withdrawn from the team on 15 August to attend the birth of his first child.
  • Joe Moody made his international debut for New Zealand.
  • The draw ended New Zealand's 17-match winning streak, preventing them from taking sole charge of the record for longest winning streak by a Tier 1 nation.

16 August 2014
17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  13–6  Argentina
Try: Pienaar 1' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 2'
Pen: Pollard (1/1) 16'
Steyn (1/1) 50'
Report[25]Pen: Sánchez (2/2) 7', 42'
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Attendance: 30,453
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Damian de Allende
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard   45'
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
OF 7 Marcell Coetzee
BF 6 Francois Louw
RL 5 Lood de Jager
LL 4 Bakkies Botha   40'
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   66'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis   55'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss   55'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane
PR 18 Frans Malherbe   66'
LK 19 Eben Etzebeth   40'
FL 20 Oupa Mohojé
SH 21 Francois Hougaard
FH 22 Morné Steyn   45'
CE 23 Jan Serfontein
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer
 
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Horacio Agulla   60'
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Santiago González Iglesias
LW 11 Manuel Montero
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez   64'
SH 9 Martín Landajo   40'
N8 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Pablo Matera   57'
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini   75'
LL 4 Mariano Galarza
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera   60'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese
PR 17 Lucas Noguera Paz
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   60'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno   75'
N8 20 Leonardo Senatore   57'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli   40'
CE 22 Jerónimo de la Fuente   64'
WG 23 Lucas González Amorosino   60'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade

Man of the Match:
Francois Louw (South Africa)

Touch judges:
Steve Walsh (Australia)
Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Television match official:
Simon McDowell (Ireland)

Notes:

Week 2 edit

23 August 2014
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  51–20  Australia
Try: Penalty try 27' c
Savea 30' c
Read 49' c
McCaw (2) 53' c, 59' c
Luatua 80' c
Con: Cruden (5/5) 28', 31', 50', 55', 59'
A. Smith (1/1) 81'
Pen: Cruden (3/4) 5', 7', 17'
Report[26]Try: Folau 61' c
Hooper 64' c
Con: Beale (2/2) 62', 65'
Pen: Beale (2/2) 1', 13'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 48,211
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
FB 15 Ben Smith
RW 14 Cory Jane   45'
OC 13 Conrad Smith
IC 12 Ryan Crotty   40'
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Aaron Cruden   75'
SH 9 Aaron Smith
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)   12' to 22'
BF 6 Liam Messam   62'
RL 5 Sam Whitelock
LL 4 Brodie Retallick   71'
TP 3 Owen Franks   60'
HK 2 Dane Coles   65'
LP 1 Wyatt Crockett   60'
Replacements:
HK 16 Keven Mealamu   65'
PR 17 Ben Franks   76' to 80'   60'
PR 18 Charlie Faumuina   60'
FL 19 Steve Luatua   62'
FL 20 Sam Cane   71'
SH 21 TJ Perenara   75'
FH 22 Beauden Barrett   45'
CE 23 Malakai Fekitoa   40'
Coach:
  Steve Hansen
 
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Pat McCabe   62'
OC 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
IC 12 Matt To'omua   55'
LW 11 Rob Horne
FH 10 Kurtley Beale
SH 9 Nic White   51'
N8 8 Wycliff Palu   55'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)
BF 6 Scott Fardy   64'
RL 5 Rob Simmons   22' to 32'
LL 4 Sam Carter
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   64'
HK 2 Nathan Charles   31'
LP 1 James Slipper
Replacements:
HK 16 James Hanson   31'
PR 17 Pekahou Cowan
PR 18 Ben Alexander   64'
LK 19 Will Skelton   64'
N8 20 Scott Higginbotham   55'
SH 21 Nick Phipps   51'
FH 22 Bernard Foley   55'
CE 23 Tevita Kuridrani   62'
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie

Man of the Match:
Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official:
Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Notes:


23 August 2014
16:40 AST (UTC-03)
Argentina  31–33  South Africa
Try: Montero 25' c
Cubelli 46' c
Tuculet 50' m
Con: Sánchez (2/3) 26', 46'
Pen: Sánchez (2/4) 3', 55
Bosch (1/1) 73'
Drop: Hernández (1/1) 12'
Report[27]Try: Habana 31' c
Hendricks 59' c
Coetzee 68' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 32'
Steyn (2/2) 59', 69'
Pen: Pollard (3/3) 10', 22', 29'
Steyn (1/1) 76'
Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta
Attendance: 17,000
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Lucas González Amorosino
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Juan Martín Hernández
LW 11 Manuel Montero   77'
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez   77'
SH 9 Martín Landajo   33'
N8 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Pablo Matera   35'
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini   69'
LL 4 Mariano Galarza
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera   67'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)   80'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza   77'
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese   80'
PR 17 Bruno Postiglioni   77'
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   67'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno   69'
N8 20 Leonardo Senatore   35'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli   33'
CE 22 Jerónimo de la Fuente   77'
WG 23 Horacio Agulla   77'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade
 
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Damian de Allende
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard   55'
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar   59'
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
OF 7 Juan Smith   51'
BF 6 Francois Louw
RL 5 Lood de Jager
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth   69'
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   45'   78'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis   51'
LP 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp   45'
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss   51'
PR 17 Tendai Mtawarira   45'
PR 18 Frans Malherbe   45'   78'
LK 19 Bakkies Botha   69'
FL 20 Marcell Coetzee   51'
SH 21 Francois Hougaard   59'
FH 22 Morné Steyn   55'
WG 23 Lwazi Mvovo
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer

Man of the Match:
Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina)

Touch judges:
John Lacey (Ireland)
Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Television match official:
Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

Notes:

  • Marcos Ayerza earned his 50th test cap for Argentina.
  • This loss was Argentina's seventh consecutive loss at home, the most consecutive losses at home.

Week 3 edit

6 September 2014
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  28–9  Argentina
Try: Savea (2) 26' m, 43' m
Messam 40' m
A. Smith 72' c
Con: Slade (1/1) 73'
Pen: Barrett (1/2) 15'
Slade (1/2) 64'
Report[28]Pen: Sánchez (3/3) 18', 32', 62'
McLean Park, Napier
Attendance: 21,329
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
FB 15 Israel Dagg
RW 14 Ben Smith
OC 13 Conrad Smith
IC 12 Ma'a Nonu
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Beauden Barrett   55'
SH 9 Aaron Smith   73'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Liam Messam   43'
RL 5 Sam Whitelock   27'
LL 4 Brodie Retallick
TP 3 Owen Franks   65'
HK 2 Dane Coles   65'
LP 1 Wyatt Crockett   58'
Replacements:
HK 16 Keven Mealamu   65'
PR 17 Joe Moody   58'
PR 18 Ben Franks   65'
LK 19 Jeremy Thrush   27'
FL 20 Sam Cane   43'
SH 21 TJ Perenara   73'
FH 22 Colin Slade   55'
CE 23 Malakai Fekitoa
Coach:
  Steve Hansen
 
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Horacio Agulla   65'
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Juan Martín Hernández
LW 11 Lucas González Amorosino
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez   73'
SH 9 Martín Landajo   54'
N8 8 Leonardo Senatore   65'
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini
LL 4 Mariano Galarza   73'
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera   66'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)   73'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza   65'
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese   73'
PR 17 Lucas Noguera Paz   65'
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   66'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno   73'
FL 20 Rodrigo Baez   65'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli   54'
FH 22 Santiago González Iglesias   73'
WG 23 Juan Imhoff   65'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade

Man of the Match:
Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Jérôme Garcès (France)
Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Television match official:
Peter Marshall (Australia)


6 September 2014
18:05 AWST (UTC+08)
Australia  24–23  South Africa
Try: Folau 1' m
Horne 77' c
Con: Foley (1/2) 78'
Pen: Foley (4/4) 16', 27', 41', 68'
Report[29]Try: Hendricks 12' m
Pen: Steyn (6/6) 6', 18', 24', 44', 48', 62'
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Attendance: 25,718
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt To'omua   72'
LW 11 Rob Horne
FH 10 Bernard Foley
SH 9 Nick Phipps
N8 8 Wycliff Palu   59'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)
BF 6 Scott Fardy   70'
RL 5 Rob Simmons
LL 4 Sam Carter   59'
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   66'
HK 2 James Hanson
LP 1 James Slipper   52'
Replacements:
HK 16 Joshua Mann-Rea
PR 17 Pekahou Cowan   52'
PR 18 Ben Alexander   66'
LK 19 James Horwill   59'
N8 20 Scott Higginbotham   59'
FL 21 Matt Hodgson   70'
SH 22 Nic White
FH 23 Kurtley Beale   72'
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie
 
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Jan Serfontein
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana   65' to 75'
FH 10 Morné Steyn
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
OF 7 Marcell Coetzee
BF 6 Francois Louw   69'
RL 5 Victor Matfield
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth   72'
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   66'
HK 2 Adriaan Strauss   60'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira   69'
Replacements:
HK 16 Bismarck du Plessis   60'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane   69'
PR 18 Marcel van der Merwe   66'
LK 19 Lood de Jager   72'
N8 20 Warren Whiteley   79'
SH 21 Francois Hougaard
FH 22 Pat Lambie   69'   79'
CE 23 Damian de Allende
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer

Man of the Match:
Tevita Kuridrani (Australia)

Touch judges:
Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

Notes:

  • Saia Fainga'a was named on the bench, but was withdrawn from the squad to attend the birth of his child.
  • Bryan Habana became the fourth South Africa player to earn 100 test caps.
  • Warren Whiteley made his international debut for South Africa.

Week 4 edit

13 September 2014
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  14–10  South Africa
Try: McCaw 46' m
Pen: Cruden (2/3) 10', 23'
Barrett (1/1) 66'
Report[30]Try: Hendricks 15'
Con: Pollard (1/1) 16'
Drop: Pollard (1/1) 55'
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 35,747
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
FB 15 Israel Dagg
RW 14 Ben Smith
OC 13 Conrad Smith
IC 12 Ma'a Nonu   40'
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Aaron Cruden   58'
SH 9 Aaron Smith
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Steve Luatua   50'
RL 5 Jeremy Thrush   77'
LL 4 Brodie Retallick
TP 3 Owen Franks   58'
HK 2 Dane Coles   70'
LP 1 Wyatt Crockett   58'
Replacements:
HK 16 Keven Mealamu   70'
PR 17 Joe Moody   58'
PR 18 Ben Franks   58'
LK 19 Patrick Tuipulotu   77'
FL 20 Sam Cane   50'
SH 21 TJ Perenara
FH 22 Beauden Barrett   58'
WG 23 Cory Jane   40'
Coach:
  Steve Hansen
 
FB 15 Willie le Roux   70'
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Jan Serfontein
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar   35'
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
OF 7 Marcell Coetzee
BF 6 Francois Louw   47'
RL 5 Victor Matfield
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth   70'
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   77'
HK 2 Adriaan Strauss   54'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira   66'
Replacements:
HK 16 Bismarck du Plessis   54'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane   66'
PR 18 Marcel van der Merwe   77'
LK 19 Lood de Jager   70'
N8 20 Warren Whiteley   47'
SH 21 Francois Hougaard   35'
FH 22 Pat Lambie   70'
CE 23 Damian de Allende
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer

Man of the Match:
Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)

Touch judges:
Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Television match official:
Peter Marshall (Australia)

Notes:


13 September 2014
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  32–25  Argentina
Try: Hooper (2) 2' m, 43' c
Betham 59' m
Con: Foley (1/3) 44'
Pen: Foley (5/5) 15', 38', 40', 54', 73'
Report[31]Try: Montero 6' c
Bosch 63' c
Tuculet 70' m
Con: Sánchez (2/3) 7', 65'
Pen: Sánchez (2/3) 49', 57'
Robina Stadium, Gold Coast
Attendance: 14,281
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Peter Betham   70'
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt To'omua   52'
LW 11 Rob Horne
FH 10 Bernard Foley
SH 9 Nick Phipps
N8 8 Ben McCalman   69'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)
BF 6 Scott Fardy   49'
RL 5 Rob Simmons
LL 4 Sam Carter   61'
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   58'
HK 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau   40'
LP 1 James Slipper   49'
Replacements:
HK 16 James Hanson   40'
PR 17 Pekahou Cowan   49'
PR 18 Ben Alexander   58'
LK 19 James Horwill   61'
N8 20 Scott Higginbotham   49'
FL 21 Matt Hodgson   69'
SH 22 Nic White   70'
FH 23 Kurtley Beale   52'
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie
 
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Juan Imhoff
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Juan Martín Hernández   50'
LW 11 Manuel Montero   79'
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez
SH 9 Martín Landajo   55'
N8 8 Leonardo Senatore   35'   40'
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón   50'
RL 5 Matías Alemanno
LL 4 Mariano Galarza   67'
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera   58'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)   72'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza   50'   66'   67'
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese   72'
PR 17 Bruno Postiglioni   50'   66'   67'
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   58'
N8 19 Benjamín Macome   35'   40'   67'
FL 20 Rodrigo Baez   50'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli   55'
CE 22 Jerónimo de la Fuente   50'
WG 23 Lucas González Amorosino   79'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade

Man of the Match:
Bernard Foley (Australia)

Touch judges:
George Clancy (Ireland)
Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

Notes:

  • The attendance of 14,281 was the lowest attendance for an Australia home test match this century.[32]
  • Tatafu Polota-Nau earned his 50th test cap for Australia.
  • Australia retained the Puma Trophy.

Week 5 edit

27 September 2014
17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  28–10  Australia
Try: Coetzee 12' m
De Villiers (2) 71', 80'
Lambie 78' m
Con: Lambie (1/3) 80+2'
Pen: Pollard (1/1) 43'
Drop: Lambie (1/1) 69'
Report[33]Try: Ashley-Cooper 25' c
Con: Foley (1/1) 27'
Pen: Foley (1/2) 24'
Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 44,955
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Jan Serfontein
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana   26' to 37'   40'
FH 10 Handré Pollard   58'
SH 9 Francois Hougaard   77'
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen   61'
OF 7 Oupa Mohojé   54'
BF 6 Marcell Coetzee
RL 5 Victor Matfield
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   65'
HK 2 Adriaan Strauss   58'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira   69'
Replacements:
HK 16 Bismarck du Plessis   58'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane   69'
PR 18 Marcel van der Merwe   65'
LK 19 Bakkies Botha   61'
FL 20 Schalk Burger   54'
SH 21 Cobus Reinach   77'
FH 22 Pat Lambie   58'
CE 23 JP Pietersen   26'   37'   40'
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer
 
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt To'omua   54'
LW 11 Joe Tomane   66'
FH 10 Bernard Foley
SH 9 Nick Phipps
N8 8 Ben McCalman   58'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)
BF 6 Scott Fardy
RL 5 Rob Simmons   40'
LL 4 Sam Carter
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   69'
HK 2 Saia Fainga'a   61'
LP 1 James Slipper   65'
Replacements:
HK 16 James Hanson   61'
PR 17 Benn Robinson   65'
PR 18 Ben Alexander   69'
LK 19 James Horwill   40'
N8 20 Scott Higginbotham   58'
SH 21 Nic White
FH 22 Kurtley Beale   54'
WG 23 Rob Horne   66'
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie

Man of the Match:
Francois Hougaard (South Africa)

Touch judges:
Wayne Barnes (England)
Mathieu Raynal (France)
Television match official:
Graham Hughes (England)

Notes:


27 September 2014
19:10 AST (UTC-03)
Argentina  13–34  New Zealand
Try: Agulla 78' c
Con: González Iglesias (1/1) 79'
Pen: Sánchez (2/3) 16', 35'
Report[34]Try: B. Smith 11' c
Dagg 24' c
Savea 56' c
Perenara 67' c
Con: Barrett (4/4) 12', 25', 57', 68'
Pen: Barrett (2/2) 3', 8'
Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata
Attendance: 37,000[35]
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Juan Imhoff
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch   65'
IC 12 Juan Martín Hernández   58'
LW 11 Manuel Montero
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez
SH 9 Tomás Cubelli   53'
N8 8 Leonardo Senatore   58'
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Benjamín Macome
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini
LL 4 Mariano Galarza   62'
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera   52'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)   69'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza   64'
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese   69'
PR 17 Lucas Noguera Paz   64'
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   52'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno   62'
FL 20 Rodrigo Baez   58'
SH 21 Martín Landajo   53'
FH 22 Santiago González Iglesias   58'
WG 23 Horacio Agulla   65'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade
 
FB 15 Israel Dagg
RW 14 Ben Smith
OC 13 Conrad Smith   71'
IC 12 Malakai Fekitoa
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Beauden Barrett
SH 9 Aaron Smith   64'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)   64'
BF 6 Jerome Kaino
RL 5 Sam Whitelock
LL 4 Brodie Retallick   53'
TP 3 Owen Franks   71'
HK 2 Keven Mealamu   71'
LP 1 Wyatt Crockett   1' to 12'   53'
Replacements:
HK 16 Nathan Harris   71'
PR 17 Joe Moody   1'   12'   53'
PR 18 Ben Franks   71'
LK 19 Jeremy Thrush   53'
FL 20 Sam Cane   64'
SH 21 TJ Perenara   64'
FH 22 Colin Slade   71'
WG 23 Cory Jane
Coach:
  Steve Hansen

Man of the Match:
Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Jérôme Garcès (France)
Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Television match official:
Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)

Notes:

Week 6 edit

4 October 2014
17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  27–25  New Zealand
Try: Hougaard 11' c
Pollard (2) 26' c , 39' c
Con: Pollard (3/3) 12', 27', 39'
Pen: Pollard (1/2) 46'
Lambie (1/1) 78'
Report[36]Try: Fekitoa 32' c
B. Smith 65' c
Coles 69' m
Con: Barrett (2/3) 33', 66'
Pen: Barrett (2/2) 8', 23'
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Attendance: 61,261
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks   57'
OC 13 Jan Serfontein
IC 12 Jean de Villiers (c)
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard   62'
SH 9 Francois Hougaard   67'
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
OF 7 Oupa Mohojé   49'
BF 6 Marcell Coetzee
RL 5 Victor Matfield
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth   62'
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis   62'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis   52'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira   72'
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss   52'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane   72'
PR 18 Marcel van der Merwe   62'
LK 19 Bakkies Botha   62'
FL 20 Schalk Burger   49'
SH 21 Cobus Reinach   67'
FH 22 Pat Lambie   62'
CE 23 JP Pietersen   57'
Coach:
  Heyneke Meyer
 
FB 15 Israel Dagg
RW 14 Ben Smith
OC 13 Conrad Smith   73'
IC 12 Malakai Fekitoa
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Beauden Barrett
SH 9 Aaron Smith   65'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Jerome Kaino   60'
RL 5 Sam Whitelock
LL 4 Jeremy Thrush   48'
TP 3 Owen Franks   57'
HK 2 Keven Mealamu   48'
LP 1 Joe Moody   40'
Replacements:
HK 16 Dane Coles   48'
PR 17 Ben Franks   40'
PR 18 Charlie Faumuina   57'
FL 19 Steve Luatua   60'
FL 20 Liam Messam   48'
SH 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow   65'   74'
FH 22 Colin Slade   74'
CE 23 Ryan Crotty   73'
Coach:
  Steve Hansen

Man of the Match:
Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)

Touch judges:
Pascal Gauzère (France)
JP Doyle (RFU)
Television match official:
Graham Hughes (RFU)

Notes:

  • This loss, was New Zealand's first loss in The Rugby Championship since its formation in 2012.
  • South Africa becomes the first team to beat New Zealand, since the All Black's 38–21 loss to England in 2012.
  • This was South Africa's first win over New Zealand since their 18–5 win during the 2011 Tri Nations Series.

4 October 2014
19:40 AST (UTC-03)
Argentina  21–17  Australia
Try: Senatore 34' m
Imhoff 52' c
Con: Sánchez (1/2) 53'
Pen: Sánchez (3/5) 40', 43', 74'
Report[37]Try: Kuridrani 2' c
Higginbotham 12' c
Con: Foley (2/2) 4', 13'
Pen: Foley (1/3) 47'
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Attendance: 26,000
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet   74'
RW 14 Juan Imhoff
OC 13 Horacio Agulla   69'
IC 12 Juan Martín Hernández
LW 11 Lucas González Amorosino
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez
SH 9 Martín Landajo   58'
N8 8 Leonardo Senatore
OF 7 Benjamín Macome   13'
BF 6 Rodrigo Báez
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini
LL 4 Mariano Galarza   73'
TP 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro   63'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c)
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza   66'
Replacements:
HK 16 Matías Cortese
PR 17 Bruno Postiglioni   66'
PR 18 Ramiro Herrera   63'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno   73'
FL 20 Javier Ortega Desio   13'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli   58'
CE 22 Marcelo Bosch   69'
CE 23 Jerónimo de la Fuente   74'
Coach:
  Daniel Hourcade
 
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt To'omua   30'
LW 11 Joe Tomane
FH 10 Bernard Foley
SH 9 Nick Phipps   42' to 52'   63'
N8 8 Scott Higginbotham   58'
OF 7 Michael Hooper (c)   73' to 80'
BF 6 Scott Fardy
RL 5 James Horwill   67'
LL 4 Sam Carter
TP 3 Sekope Kepu   58'
HK 2 Saia Fainga'a   71'
LP 1 James Slipper   58'
Replacements:
HK 16 Joshua Mann-Rea   71'
PR 17 Benn Robinson   58'
PR 18 Ben Alexander   58'
LK 19 Will Skelton   67'
N8 20 Jake Schatz   58'
FL 21 Matt Hodgson
SH 22 Nic White   63'
WG 23 Rob Horne   30'
Coach:
  Ewen McKenzie

Touch judges:
Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Television match official:
Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)

Notes:

  • This was Argentina's first ever win in The Rugby Championship since its formation in 2012.
  • This was Argentina's first win over Australia since their 18–16 win in 1997.
  • Jake Schatz and Joshua Mann-Rea made their international debuts for Australia.

Warm-up matches edit

On 25 July and 2 August, Argentina played two uncapped matches against French Top 14 side Grenoble in preparation for the tournament.[38] This was the third year in which Argentina had played two warm-up matches pre Rugby Championship; New South Wales Waratahs Barbarians in 2013 and Stade Français in 2012.


25 July 2014 Argentina   44–21 Grenoble C.A.S.I., San Isidro  
20:10 AST (UTC-03) Try: Imhoff 21' c
Leguizamón 24' m
Montero 34' m
Penalty try 60' c
Moroni 66' c
González Amorosino 78' c
Con: Sánchez (2/4) 21', 61'
González Iglesias (2/2) 67', 78'
Pen: Sánchez (2/3) 6', 51'
Report[39]
(In Spanish)
Try: Caminati 27'
Héguy 80' m
Con: Wisniewski (1/2) 28'
Pen: Wisniewski (3/3) 32', 37', 41'
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)


2 August 2014 Argentina   56–22 Grenoble Estadio Bicentenario Ciudad de Catamarca, Catamarca  
16:10 AST (UTC-03) Try: Imhoff (2) 13' c, 65' c
De la Fuente 16' c
Fernández Lobbe 56' c
Senatore 67' c
Tuculet 70' c
Agulla 75' m
Con: Sánchez (4/4) 14', 17', 57', 65'
González Iglesias (2/3) 68', 71'
Pen: Sánchez (3/4) 26', 59', 63'
Report[40]
(In Spanish)
Try: Thiéry 7' c
Roodt 32' c
Hayes 46' m
Con: Wisniewski (2/3) 7', 33'
Pen: Wisniewski (1/1) 36'
Referee: Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)

Squads edit

Summary edit

Nation Match venues Head coach Captain
Name City Capacity
  Argentina Estadio Ciudad de La Plata La Plata 53,000   Daniel Hourcade Agustín Creevy
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas Mendoza 40,268
Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena Salta 20,408
  Australia Stadium Australia Sydney 84,000   Ewen McKenzie Michael Hooper
Subiaco Oval Perth 43,500
Robina Stadium Gold Coast 27,400
  New Zealand Eden Park Auckland 50,000   Steve Hansen Richie McCaw
Wellington Regional Stadium Wellington 34,500
McLean Park Napier 22,000
  South Africa Ellis Park Stadium Johannesburg 62,567   Heyneke Meyer Jean de Villiers
Newlands Stadium Cape Town 51,900
Loftus Versfeld Stadium Pretoria 51,762

Note: Ages, caps and domestic side are of 16 August 2014 – the starting date of the tournament.

Argentina edit

Argentina 30-man squad for the Championship was announced on 23 June.[41] In addition to the 30-man squad, a further nine players were invited to train with the squad and acted as stand-by players should a call-up have been necessary.[42] Those players are: hookers Julián Montoya (Newman) and Santiago Iglesias (Uni. Tucumán), lock Guido Petti (San Isidro), number 8 Benjamín Macome, scrum-half Felipe Ezcurra (Hindú), fly-half Patricio Fernández (Jockey Club), centres Matías Moroni (CUBA) and Javier Rojas (Uni. Tucumán) and winger Ramiro Moyano (Lince R.C.)

On 15 July, Marcos Ayerza was added to the squad to provide further options in the front row.[43]

On 10 September, Benjamín Macome was promoted to the main squad as cover for Tomás Lavanini, who was unable to play in the fourth round.[44]

Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Matías Cortese Hooker (1985-10-01)1 October 1985 (aged 28) 7   Liceo
Agustín Creevy (c) Hooker (1985-03-15)15 March 1985 (aged 29) 28   Worcester Warriors
Marcos Ayerza Prop (1983-01-12)12 January 1983 (aged 31) 48   Leicester Tigers
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro Prop (1989-11-06)6 November 1989 (aged 24) 7   La Plata
Ramiro Herrera Prop (1989-02-14)14 February 1989 (aged 25) 2   Castres
Lucas Noguera Paz Prop (1993-05-10)10 May 1993 (aged 21) 5   Lince R.C.
Bruno Postiglioni Prop (1987-04-08)8 April 1987 (aged 27) 13   La Plata
Matías Alemanno Lock (1991-12-05)5 December 1991 (aged 22) 5   Tablada
Mariano Galarza Lock (1986-12-11)11 December 1986 (aged 27) 18   Gloucester
Tomás Lavanini Lock (1993-01-22)22 January 1993 (aged 21) 10   Hindú
Rodrigo Báez Flanker (1989-02-08)8 February 1989 (aged 25) 11   Liceo
Juan Manuel Leguizamón Flanker (1983-06-06)6 June 1983 (aged 31) 55   Lyon
Pablo Matera Flanker (1993-07-18)18 July 1993 (aged 21) 11   Leicester Tigers
Javier Ortega Desio Flanker (1990-06-14)14 June 1990 (aged 24) 8   Paraná
Tomás de la Vega Flanker (1990-09-28)28 September 1990 (aged 23) 12   CUBA
Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe Number 8 (1981-11-19)19 November 1981 (aged 32) 56   Toulon
Benjamín Macome Number 8 (1986-10-01)1 October 1986 (aged 27) 18 Unattached
Leonardo Senatore Number 8 (1984-05-13)13 May 1984 (aged 30) 20   Worcester Warriors
Tomás Cubelli Scrum-half (1989-06-12)12 June 1989 (aged 25) 25   Belgrano
Martín Landajo Scrum-half (1988-06-14)14 June 1988 (aged 26) 31   C.A.S.I.
Santiago González Iglesias Fly-half (1988-06-16)16 June 1988 (aged 26) 7   Alumni
Nicolás Sánchez Fly-half (1988-10-26)26 October 1988 (aged 25) 21 Unattached
Marcelo Bosch Centre (1984-01-07)7 January 1984 (aged 30) 25   Saracens
Jerónimo de la Fuente Centre (1991-02-24)24 February 1991 (aged 23) 4   Duendes
Matías Orlando Centre (1991-11-14)14 November 1991 (aged 22) 9   Huirapuca
Horacio Agulla Wing (1984-10-22)22 October 1984 (aged 29) 51   Bath
Lucas González Amorosino Wing (1985-11-02)2 November 1985 (aged 28) 33 Unattached
Juan Imhoff Wing (1988-05-11)11 May 1988 (aged 26) 20   Racing Métro
Manuel Montero Wing (1991-11-20)20 November 1991 (aged 22) 13   Pucará
Santiago Cordero Fullback (1993-12-06)6 December 1993 (aged 20) 7   Regatas
Juan Martín Hernández Fullback (1982-08-07)7 August 1982 (aged 32) 44 Unattached
Joaquín Tuculet Fullback (1989-08-08)8 August 1989 (aged 25) 11 Unattached

Australia edit

Australia 32-man squad for the Championship was announced on 23 July.[45]

Although Henry Speight has been named in the squad, he is not eligible to play for the Wallabies until September 11, after round three of the Championship.

On 30 July, Peter Betham was called up to the squad as cover for Henry Speight, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury.[46]

On 5 August, Tolu Latu and Laurie Weeks were called up to the squad as cover for Tatafu Polota-Nau, who was ruled out of the opening match with a ligament injury, and Scott Sio who was ruled out with an ankle injury.[47]

On 10 August, Tom English and Paddy Ryan were called up to the squad to cover Joe Tomane and Laurie Weeks who both suffered hamstring injuries in training, thus being ruled out of the start of the Championship.[48]

On 11 August, Saia Fainga'a was called up to the squad to replace Tolu Latu who was withdrawn from the squad due to a broken arm.[49]

On 27 August, Kyle Godwin was called up to the squad to replace Pat McCabe who was withdrawn from the squad due to a retirement enforced injury.[50]

On 4 September, Josh Mann-Rea was called up to the squad as cover for Saia Fainga'a, who potentially would have to leave the squad for the birth of his child during the week leading up to Round 3.[51] Although Mann-Rea remained in the squad for Round's 5 and 6 with Polota-Nau withdrawing from the squad due to injury.[52]

On 7 September, Will Genia and Benn Robinson was added to the squad as training cover for their respective positions.[53] Although they remained in the squad for Round's 5 and 6 as a full squad member.

On 8 September, Jake Schatz was added to the squad as cover for Wycliff Palu who was ruled out of Round 4.[54]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Nathan Charles Hooker (1989-01-09)9 January 1989 (aged 25) 2 Force
Saia Fainga'a Hooker (1987-02-02)2 February 1987 (aged 27) 29 Reds
James Hanson Hooker (1988-09-15)15 September 1988 (aged 25) 1 Reds
Tolu Latu Hooker (1993-02-23)23 February 1993 (aged 21) 0 Waratahs
Joshua Mann-Rea Hooker (1981-02-19)19 February 1981 (aged 33) 0 Brumbies
Tatafu Polota-Nau Hooker (1985-07-26)26 July 1985 (aged 29) 49 Waratahs
Ben Alexander Prop (1984-11-13)13 November 1984 (aged 29) 62 Brumbies
Pekahou Cowan Prop (1986-06-02)2 June 1986 (aged 28) 7 Force
Sekope Kepu Prop (1986-02-05)5 February 1986 (aged 28) 41 Waratahs
Benn Robinson Prop (1984-07-19)19 July 1984 (aged 30) 66 Waratahs
Paddy Ryan Prop (1988-08-09)9 August 1988 (aged 26) 3 Waratahs
Scott Sio Prop (1991-10-16)16 October 1991 (aged 22) 5 Brumbies
James Slipper (vc) Prop (1989-06-06)6 June 1989 (aged 25) 52 Reds
Laurie Weeks Prop (1986-04-05)5 April 1986 (aged 28) 2 Rebels
Sam Carter Lock (1989-09-10)10 September 1989 (aged 24) 1 Brumbies
James Horwill Lock (1985-05-29)29 May 1985 (aged 29) 51 Reds
Rob Simmons Lock (1989-04-19)19 April 1989 (aged 25) 40 Reds
Will Skelton Lock (1992-05-03)3 May 1992 (aged 22) 1 Waratahs
Scott Fardy Flanker (1984-07-05)5 July 1984 (aged 30) 13 Brumbies
Matt Hodgson Flanker (1981-06-25)25 June 1981 (aged 33) 6 Force
Michael Hooper (c) Flanker (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 22) 31 Waratahs
Scott Higginbotham Number 8 (1986-09-05)5 September 1986 (aged 27) 24 Rebels
Ben McCalman Number 8 (1988-03-18)18 March 1988 (aged 26) 32 Force
Wycliff Palu Number 8 (1982-07-27)27 July 1982 (aged 32) 51 Waratahs
Jake Schatz Number 8 (1990-07-25)25 July 1990 (aged 24) 0 Reds
Luke Burgess Scrum-half (1983-08-20)20 August 1983 (aged 30) 37 Rebels
Will Genia Scrum-half (1988-01-17)17 January 1988 (aged 26) 55 Reds
Nick Phipps Scrum-half (1989-01-09)9 January 1989 (aged 25) 17 Waratahs
Nic White Scrum-half (1990-06-13)13 June 1990 (aged 24) 13 Brumbies
Kurtley Beale Fly-half (1989-01-06)6 January 1989 (aged 25) 42 Waratahs
Bernard Foley Fly-half (1989-09-08)8 September 1989 (aged 24) 7 Waratahs
Kyle Godwin Centre (1992-07-30)30 July 1992 (aged 22) 0 Force
Tevita Kuridrani Centre (1991-03-31)31 March 1991 (aged 23) 11 Brumbies
Christian Lealiifano Centre (1987-09-24)24 September 1987 (aged 26) 13 Brumbies
Pat McCabe Centre (1988-03-21)21 March 1988 (aged 26) 22 Brumbies
Matt To'omua Centre (1990-01-02)2 January 1990 (aged 24) 13 Brumbies
Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc) Wing (1984-03-27)27 March 1984 (aged 30) 94 Waratahs
Peter Betham Wing (1989-01-06)6 January 1989 (aged 25) 1 Waratahs
Tom English Wing (1991-03-08)8 March 1991 (aged 23) 0 Rebels
Rob Horne Wing (1989-09-04)4 September 1989 (aged 24) 16 Waratahs
Henry Speight Wing (1988-03-24)24 March 1988 (aged 26) 0 Brumbies
Joe Tomane Wing (1990-02-02)2 February 1990 (aged 24) 9 Brumbies
Israel Folau Fullback (1989-04-03)3 April 1989 (aged 25) 18 Waratahs

New Zealand edit

New Zealand 31-man squad for the Championship was announced on 28 July.[55]

On 6 August, Colin Slade was added to the squad as cover for Dan Carter, who will miss the opening two matches of the Championship.[56]

Joe Moody was also named in the squad as an injury replacement for Tony Woodcock who was initially meant to miss the start of the Championship. However, on 8 August he was ruled out of the whole Championship with Moody replacing Woodcock fully in the squad. Jeremy Thrush was also added to the squad on 8 August, to cover Dominic Bird who will miss the opening two matches due to injury.[57]

On 15 August, Ryan Crotty was added to the squad to cover Conrad Smith who returned to New Zealand pre-round 1 due to the birth of his child.[58]

On 16 September, Nathan Harris was added to the squad for Round's 5 and 6 as cover in his position.[59]

On 22 September, Tom Taylor was added to the squad to replace Aaron Cruden who was withdrawn from the squad as a disciplinary action.[60]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Dane Coles Hooker (1986-12-10)10 December 1986 (aged 27) 18 Wellington / Hurricanes
Nathan Harris Hooker (1990-03-08)8 March 1990 (aged 24) 0 Bay of Plenty / Chiefs
Keven Mealamu Hooker (1979-03-20)20 March 1979 (aged 35) 113 Auckland / Blues
Wyatt Crockett Prop (1983-01-24)24 January 1983 (aged 31) 27 Canterbury / Crusaders
Charlie Faumuina Prop (1986-12-24)24 December 1986 (aged 27) 20 Auckland / Blues
Ben Franks Prop (1984-03-27)27 March 1984 (aged 30) 31 Hawke's Bay / Hurricanes
Owen Franks Prop (1987-12-23)23 December 1987 (aged 26) 57 Canterbury / Crusaders
Joe Moody Prop (1988-09-18)18 September 1988 (aged 25) 0 Canterbury / Crusaders
Tony Woodcock Prop (1981-01-27)27 January 1981 (aged 33) 110 North Harbour / Blues
Dominic Bird Lock (1991-04-09)9 April 1991 (aged 23) 1 Canterbury / Crusaders
Brodie Retallick Lock (1991-05-31)31 May 1991 (aged 23) 27 Bay of Plenty / Chiefs
Jeremy Thrush Lock (1985-04-19)19 April 1985 (aged 29) 5 Wellington / Hurricanes
Patrick Tuipulotu Lock (1993-01-23)23 January 1993 (aged 21) 2 Auckland / Blues
Sam Whitelock Lock (1988-10-12)12 October 1988 (aged 25) 54 Canterbury / Crusaders
Sam Cane Flanker (1992-01-13)13 January 1992 (aged 22) 14 Bay of Plenty / Chiefs
Steve Luatua Flanker (1991-04-29)29 April 1991 (aged 23) 11 Auckland / Blues
Richie McCaw (c) Flanker (1980-12-31)31 December 1980 (aged 33) 127 Canterbury / Crusaders
Liam Messam Flanker (1984-03-25)25 March 1984 (aged 30) 32 Waikato / Chiefs
Jerome Kaino Number 8 (1983-04-06)6 April 1983 (aged 31) 51 Auckland / Blues
Kieran Read Number 8 (1985-10-26)26 October 1985 (aged 28) 62 Canterbury / Crusaders
Tawera Kerr-Barlow Half-back (1990-08-15)15 August 1990 (aged 24) 14 Waikato / Chiefs
TJ Perenara Half-back (1992-01-23)23 January 1992 (aged 22) 3 Wellington / Hurricanes
Aaron Smith Half-back (1988-11-21)21 November 1988 (aged 25) 29 Manawatu / Highlanders
Beauden Barrett First five-eighth (1991-05-27)27 May 1991 (aged 23) 19 Taranaki / Hurricanes
Dan Carter First five-eighth (1982-03-05)5 March 1982 (aged 32) 100 Canterbury / Crusaders
Aaron Cruden First five-eighth (1989-01-08)8 January 1989 (aged 25) 32 Manawatu / Chiefs
Colin Slade First five-eighth (1987-10-10)10 October 1987 (aged 26) 11 Canterbury / Crusaders
Tom Taylor First five-eighth (1989-03-11)11 March 1989 (aged 25) 3 Canterbury / Crusaders
Ryan Crotty Centre (1988-09-23)23 September 1988 (aged 25) 6 Canterbury / Crusaders
Malakai Fekitoa Centre (1992-05-10)10 May 1992 (aged 22) 2 Auckland / Highlanders
Ma'a Nonu Centre (1982-05-21)21 May 1982 (aged 32) 91 Wellington / Blues
Conrad Smith Centre (1981-10-12)12 October 1981 (aged 32) 77 Wellington / Hurricanes
Cory Jane Wing (1983-02-08)8 February 1983 (aged 31) 48 Wellington / Hurricanes
Julian Savea Wing (1990-08-07)7 August 1990 (aged 24) 22 Wellington / Hurricanes
Ben Smith Wing (1986-06-01)1 June 1986 (aged 28) 29 Otago / Highlanders
Israel Dagg Fullback (1988-06-06)6 June 1988 (aged 26) 39 Hawke's Bay / Crusaders
Charles Piutau Fullback (1991-10-31)31 October 1991 (aged 22) 10 Auckland / Blues

South Africa edit

South Africa 30-man squad for the Championship was announced on 2 August.[61]

On 6 August, Juan Smith was called up to the squad to cover Victor Matfield who has been ruled out of the opening match of the championship.[62]

On 16 August, Warren Whiteley was added to the squad as cover for Willem Alberts, who was ruled out of Round 2 with a hamstring injury.[63]

On 25 August, Marcel van der Merwe was added to the squad to replace Frans Malherbe who was withdrawn from the squad prior to Round 3 due to an injury.[64]

On 14 September, JP Pietersen was added to the squad for the final two matches of the Championship.[65]

On 17 September, Schalk Burger was added to the squad to replace Francois Louw who withdrew from the squad for Round's 5 and 6 due to injury.[66]

Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Schalk Brits Hooker (1981-05-16)16 May 1981 (aged 33) 7   Saracens
Bismarck du Plessis Hooker (1984-05-22)22 May 1984 (aged 30) 60   Sharks
Adriaan Strauss Hooker (1985-11-18)18 November 1985 (aged 28) 34   Free State Cheetahs
Jannie du Plessis Prop (1982-11-16)16 November 1982 (aged 31) 54   Sharks
Frans Malherbe Prop (1991-03-14)14 March 1991 (aged 23) 2   Western Province
Tendai Mtawarira Prop (1985-08-01)1 August 1985 (aged 29) 55   Sharks
Trevor Nyakane Prop (1989-05-04)4 May 1989 (aged 25) 4   Free State Cheetahs
Gurthrö Steenkamp Prop (1981-06-12)12 June 1981 (aged 33) 51   Toulouse
Marcel van der Merwe Prop (1990-10-24)24 October 1990 (aged 23) 1   Blue Bulls
Bakkies Botha Lock (1979-09-22)22 September 1979 (aged 34) 79   Toulon
Lood de Jager Lock (1992-12-17)17 December 1992 (aged 21) 3   Free State Cheetahs
Eben Etzebeth Lock (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 22) 23   Western Province
Victor Matfield Lock (1977-05-11)11 May 1977 (aged 37) 113   Blue Bulls
Juan Smith Lock (1981-07-30)30 July 1981 (aged 33) 69   Toulon
Willem Alberts Flanker (1984-05-11)11 May 1984 (aged 30) 32   Sharks
Schalk Burger Flanker (1983-04-13)13 April 1983 (aged 31) 71   Suntory Sungoliath
Marcell Coetzee Flanker (1991-05-08)8 May 1991 (aged 23) 16   Sharks
Francois Louw Flanker (1985-06-15)15 June 1985 (aged 29) 30   Bath
Oupa Mohojé Flanker (1990-08-03)3 August 1990 (aged 24) 1   Free State Cheetahs
Duane Vermeulen Number 8 (1986-07-03)3 July 1986 (aged 28) 19   Western Province
Warren Whiteley Number 8 (1987-09-18)18 September 1987 (aged 26) 0   Golden Lions
Francois Hougaard Scrum-half (1988-04-06)6 April 1988 (aged 26) 28   Blue Bulls
Ruan Pienaar Scrum-half (1984-03-10)10 March 1984 (aged 30) 76   Ulster
Cobus Reinach Scrum-half (1990-02-07)7 February 1990 (aged 24) 0   Sharks
Pat Lambie Fly-half (1990-10-17)17 October 1990 (aged 23) 32   Sharks
Handré Pollard Fly-half (1994-03-11)11 March 1994 (aged 20) 1   Blue Bulls
Morné Steyn Fly-half (1984-07-11)11 July 1984 (aged 30) 56   Stade Français
Damian de Allende Centre (1991-11-25)25 November 1991 (aged 22) 0   Western Province
Jean de Villiers (c) ‡ Centre (1981-02-24)24 February 1981 (aged 33) 96   Western Province
JP Pietersen Centre (1989-07-12)12 July 1989 (aged 25) 54   Panasonic Wild Knights
Jan Serfontein Centre (1993-04-15)15 April 1993 (aged 21) 12   Blue Bulls
Bryan Habana Wing (1983-06-12)12 June 1983 (aged 31) 97   Toulon
Cornal Hendricks Wing (1988-04-18)18 April 1988 (aged 26) 3   Free State Cheetahs
Lwazi Mvovo Wing (1986-06-03)3 June 1986 (aged 28) 9   Sharks
Willie le Roux Fullback (1989-08-18)18 August 1989 (aged 24) 15   Free State Cheetahs

‡ denotes players who are contracted to the South African Rugby Union.

Statistics edit

See also edit

References edit

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