Rugby Championship: Round 3 - All Blacks host Springboks with Eden Park record on the line

After a break from international action, The Rugby Championship comes back with a bang this weekend with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina all fit and firing for Round 3. The competition is balanced upon a knife-edge, as all four nations have one win and one defeat to their names, from an unforgettable first fortnight of the competition.

New Zealand currently top the table on six points, thanks to their two bonus points they collected against Argentina across winning and losing efforts. The All Blacks are by no means home and dry, Australia are next in pursuit, with the Wallabies sat in second place with five points. South Africa and Argentina enter Round 3 in the third and fourth rungs respectively. Whilst level on four points a-piece, the Springboks' -8 points difference steers them narrowly off the bottom, compared to the Los Pumas' -11.

FULL PREVIEW: 2025 RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 3

Australia hosts Argentina in Townsville on Saturday in what promises to be a high-octane clash in Queensland's harsh Summer heat. The Wallabies arrive on the back of a hard-fought 30-22 defeat to South Africa in Cape Town, where a resilient performance from Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen, and Brandon Paenga-Amosa kept them within striking distance against the Springboks.

Despite the loss, the Wallabies showed ample promise, off the back of a win over the British & Irish Lions and then the opening round upset of South Africa. Coach Joe Schmidt now faces selection questions, particularly at fly-half, with Tom Lynagh available for the first time since suffering a concussion, with James O'Connor pushing for his Wallabies retention. Australia's iron-man prop James Slipper will chase a historic 149th Test cap, placing him behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Sam Whitelock in all-time Test appearances.

Argentina, meanwhile, carry confidence from their historic 29-23 victory over New Zealand in Buenos Aires. The Pumas’ relentless forward pressure spearheaded led by Pablo Matera, combined with smart kicking from Santiago Carreras, disrupted the All Blacks' rhythm and secured the first ever home win over New Zealand. Argentina's disciplined, high-tempo style and ability to adapt across the park makes them a serious threat for the Wallabies, that should by no means be overlooked.

The match has added stakes, with the teams separated by the narrowest margin in the standings. Schmidt has warned against complacency, with a need for clean execution against Argentina’s tactical maturity, with cool heads set to prevail in Townsville’s forecasted 30+ degree heat.

The Rugby Championship returns to Eden Park, with a blockbuster clash to headline Round 3. New Zealand host South Africa, with the 31-year unbeaten run on the line for the All Blacks in Auckland. Both teams enter Round 3 on the back of contrasting narratives, as Scott Robertson's men were stunned 29-23 in Buenos Aires by an inspired Argentina, for their first defeat in the land of Los Pumas.

A combination of lineout errors, ill-timed yellow cards, and missed kicking opportunities saw the All Blacks struggle to assert their usual dominance. Injuries continue to disrupt New Zealand’s preparation, with scrum-half Cortez Ratima and half-backs Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham sidelined, leaving Robertson to consider Finlay Christie and the uncapped bolter Kyle Preston for the nine jersey.

The return of midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, prop Tyrel Lomax bolstered the All Blacks squad with wing Caleb Clarke and back row Luke Jacobson's return for the second Test offer some reprieve. There is plenty of excitement brimming round Leicester Fainga’anuku’s recall to the squad, with the ex-Toulon mad adding further attacking firepower.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a 30-22 triumph over Australia in Cape Town. Handré Pollard’s composure at fly-half, combined with late tries from Eben Etzebeth and Kwagga Smith, demonstrated the Boks ability to rebound under pressure. Rassie Erasmus has opted for a late team announcement, with uncertainty around selections, particularly given the All Blacks’ unknown lineup. With Eden Park’s intimidating atmosphere and New Zealand undefeated there since 1994, this mental dimension will be crucial for the men in green and gold.

Both teams sit in close proximity on the Championship ladder, and the match offers the Springboks a chance to close the gap on the top, while the All Blacks look to reassert their authority on home soil.