Team of the Week: Rugby Championship Round 1

Meanwhile, the All Blacks flexed their muscle in Cordoba, as Scott Robertson's side survived a spirited second-half fight from Argentina, to secure a convincing 41-24 victory. With standout performances across every position, this opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

From match-winning brilliance to hard-nosed graft in the tight exchanges, here’s our Team of the Week from Round One of the Rugby Championship.

Wright was decisive in Australia’s historic comeback win at Ellis Park, constantly battling beyond South Africa’s defensive line. Wright's break created Harry Wilson’s second try, in what was a momentum-shifting moment that handed the Wallabies the lead. Later, Wright finished the job himself, as he capitalised on the Springbok's handling error to race away and seal the victory. Confident under the high ball and sharp in attack, Wright’s composure and game-breaking ability under pressure were central to Australia’s 38 unanswered points.

Sevu Reece showed his ruthless finishing instincts with two first-half tries in Cordoba. His first, a remarkable grab from Will Jordan’s pass near the sideline, demonstrated world-class control under pressure. Reece's second came at a crucial time, as the Crusader stretched the All Blacks’ lead before half-time. Energetic in the kick chase and relentless in his work rate, Reece was an outlet New Zealand relied upon whenever momentum swung. He provided the sharp edge that kept Argentina on the back foot.

Sua’ali’i’s intercept try was one of the defining moments of the weekend. Reading play superbly, he picked off a South African pass and raced 60 metres to close the gap, adding fuel to Australia’s comeback fire. Beyond that flash of brilliance, his defensive positioning was excellent against a powerful Springbok midfield, with an honourable mention to his opposite man Jesse Kriel. Sua'ali'i carried well, kept his side moving forward and looks to have the Wallabies midfield on lock.

Esterhuizen was central to South Africa’s blistering start in Johannesburg. His partnership with Jesse Kriel cut Australia open, with their interplay setting up Siya Kolisi’s try as the Boks roared to a 22-0 lead. He provided the direct, hard running that forced the Wallabies onto the back foot early. While South Africa faded badly after the first quarter, Esterhuizen’s physical presence in the midfield underlined why he remains such a valued weapon in green and gold.

Arendse sparked the Ellis Park crowd into life with a superbly taken opening try, finishing off South Africa’s early dominance with less than a minute on the clock. The wing's aerial skills were on display from the outset, chasing contestable kicks and putting pressure on the Wallabies’ back three. Though chances dried up as the match wore on, yet his electric pace was a constant threat whenever he had ball in hand. In a losing cause, Arendse reminded everyone why he is such a lethal finisher.

Tomas Albornoz played with confidence and flair against the All Blacks, and led Argentina’s spirited second-half fightback. His solo try, a brilliant change of direction against the grain of New Zealand’s defence, highlighted the halfback's knack for finding space and punishing mistakes. Beyond his scoring moment, he kicked cleverly for territory and marshalled his forwards well. Though ultimately on the losing side, Albornoz’s performance suggested Argentina may finally have found a fly-half capable of steering them in big games. An honourable mention to James O'Connor of Australia, who's comeback match will not be forgotten anytime soon by Wallabies fans.

The young halfback produced a composed performance in Cordoba, highlighted by his well-timed support line to score New Zealand’s second try. Ratima’s crisp service kept the All Blacks moving forward, and his energy around the fringes tested Argentina’s defence repeatedly. Defensively, he was alert and worked hard to slow down the Pumas’ pick-and-go game. For a player still establishing himself at Test level, Ratima showed both composure and opportunism, marking him out as a rising star.

Bell was transformative off the bench at Ellis Park. His first major act was a deft offload that created Harry Wilson’s opening try, in what was a moment that changed the course of the game. Bell anchored the scrum solidly against South Africa’s vaunted front row and added dynamism in the loose with powerful carries. At just 24-years-old, his maturity and impact in one of rugby’s toughest arenas underscored why he is already being hailed as a future world-class loose-head.

Samisoni Taukei’aho swung the contest in Cordoba after entering from the bench. Twice he finished unstoppable driving mauls, to crush the Argentine comeback hopes and reassert New Zealand’s dominance. His throwing was accurate under pressure, and his ball-carrying consistently dented the defence. At a time when the All Blacks were wobbling, Taukei’aho’s directness and physicality gave them a clear edge. He continues to establish himself as one of rugby’s premier impact hookers, delivering when the game hung in the balance.

Newell anchored the All Blacks scrum with composure, providing a stable platform against a committed Pumas pack. His carrying work in the tight quarters was equally valuable, as he produced front-foot ball that helped New Zealand dictate the first half. Around the park, he was industrious, tackling with commitment and contributing to the breakdown effort. Still early in his Test career, this was a mature performance from the young tight-head, showing he can mix set-piece solidity with modern mobility.

Frost brought physicality and energy to the Wallabies’ second row in Johannesburg. He worked tirelessly in defence, making his presence felt in the tight exchanges and putting pressure on South Africa’s maul. His work rate around the field was critical as Australia clawed their way back into the contest, providing steady carries and an aerial presence in the lineout. Against the most physical of opponents, Frost’s athleticism and commitment stood out in a famous Wallabies win.

On All Blacks debut, Holland delivered a performance that suggested a bright Test future. Commanding in the lineout, he disrupted Argentina’s throw and secured New Zealand ball with confidence. Around the field, he carried with intent and defended with maturity well beyond his 21 years. In the hostile environment of Cordoba, he never looked overawed in the absence of his captain Scott Barrett. Holland's engine room partnership with Tupou Vaa’i gave New Zealand set-piece dominance and underlined such promise as a second-row option for years to come.

Matera embodied Argentina’s determination in Cordoba. He carried ferociously into contact, refusing to yield against New Zealand’s physical defence. At the breakdown, he slowed the All Blacks’ ball and forced key turnovers that gave his side opportunities to build pressure. Defensively, his line speed and commitment set the tone during the Pumas’ comeback, as they fought back to within seven points. Though Argentina ultimately fell short, Matera’s leadership and energy epitomised their never-say-die spirit, in a trademark run-out for the Mie Honda Heat man.

McReight was monumental in Johannesburg, producing one of the finest individual performances of the round. His turnover work blunted South Africa’s attack repeatedly, and his tackling was relentless across the park. Beyond the defensive work, he linked play well in attack, keeping Australia on the front foot during their comeback. His tireless effort typified the Wallabies’ resilience, and his composure under immense pressure stood out. McReight was the heartbeat of Australia’s historic win and Player of the Week from the Rugby Championship aficionados.

Wilson played with unstoppable intent at Ellis Park. He scored twice, both tries coming from perfectly timed support lines, and carried tirelessly throughout the game. His first try, created by Angus Bell’s offload, swung momentum back towards the Wallabies, while his second, following Tom Wright’s break, gave Australia the lead for the first time. Wilson’s physical presence in attack and defence drove Australia forward, making him indispensable to their comeback victory in Johannesburg.