South Africa ended 2025 exactly where it began at the top of the world rankings. Over the course of the year, the Springboks reinforced their status as the benchmark in international rugby. Combining immense depth with a fearsome scrum that already makes them favourites for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. Their results were emphatic.
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South Africa retained the Rugby World Cup 2027 Championship, handed New Zealand their heaviest ever Test defeat. And recorded authoritative victories away to both France and Ireland. They also ran up a record score against a struggling Wales side in Cardiff. Underlining their ability to dominate opponents across different conditions and styles. The season was not flawless.
A dramatic second-half collapse at Ellis Park allowed Australia to snatch a rare victory in Johannesburg, while a blunt performance in Auckland saw the Springboks fail once again to end an 88-year wait for a win at Eden Park. Those setbacks, however, were minor blemishes in an otherwise commanding campaign.
More than 50 players were used across the season, yet the team still won 12 of their 14 Tests, often by comfortable margins. At the same time, they began to evolve their attacking identity under new attack coach Tony Brown, moving away from a purely power-based approach.
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Rugby World Cup: The Rise of South Africa’s New Playmaker
One of the main individual stories was the appearance of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The young flyhalf liked an escape season, scoring nine tries between September and November alone. In doing so, he set a new Springbok record for tries by a fly-half, overtaking the marks before held by Morne Steyn and Handre Pollard. Despite the offensive loans, it was still the fray that truly set South Africa apart.
Regardless of personnel, the set-piece remained brutally effective. When pressure moments arrived, and a penalty was needed, the scrum almost always delivered. That consistency will worry rivals heading into the next World Cup cycle. Hooker Malcolm Marx was rewarded with the Rugby World Cup Player of the Year award, recognition of his influence across the park.
Yet loosehead prop Ox Nche was arguably the most destructive scrummager in the squad and, but for a mid-season injury, could easily have claimed the honour himself. With head coach Rassie Erasmus now contracted through to 2031, South Africa’s rivals face the daunting task of trying to blunt this physical dominance for years to come.
Elsewhere, France lifted the 2025 Six Nations title but endured a mixed year overall. A decision to send a weakened squad on a three-Test tour of New Zealand resulted in a comprehensive 3-0 series defeat, raising questions about depth and planning. Ireland also lost momentum, opening the door for England to surge forward under Steve Borthwick.
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Rugby World Cup Final: A Series Win with Warning Signs
England narrowly missed out on the Six Nations crown by a single point before embarking on an 11-match winning streak that propelled them from seventh to third in the world rankings. On current form, they appear to be South Africa’s most credible challengers in 2027. Coach Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions claimed a 2-1 series win in Australia, though the contest proved tighter than many expected.
The Wallabies showed flashes of promise amid inconsistency. Australia now look ahead to a new era under Les Kiss from mid-2026, with significant work required to steady the ship before hosting the Rugby World Cup Final. The women’s game also enjoyed a landmark year. England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final with a convincing 33-13 victory over Canada at a sold-out Twickenham.
The tournament shattered attendance records and generated more than a billion social media impressions, highlighting the rapid growth of the women’s game. A proposed breakaway competition, Rugby360, was floated during the year but faced strong resistance from the sport’s establishment, leading to its planned launch being pushed back to 2028.
In conclusion, 2025 reinforced a familiar reality in world rugby. South Africa set the standard in results, depth, and physicality, while also showing a willingness to adapt and expand their style. With challengers emerging but none matching their consistency or power, the Springboks head toward Australia in 2027 as the team everyone must chase.
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