The 2024 Rugby Championship is entering its final stretch, with round five of six taking place this weekend, promising some intense matchups.
The round kicks off with another chapter of the Bledisloe Cup as the Wallabies host the All Blacks in Sydney.
Meanwhile, the two title contenders, Argentina and South Africa, will clash in Santiago in what promises to be a fierce contest.
Ardie Savea goes over for a try against Ireland. PHOTO/All Blacks
The All Blacks head to Sydney after two narrow defeats to the Springboks, including a close-fought match in Johannesburg that they felt could have gone their way.
On the other hand, the Wallabies are reeling from a record-breaking 67-27 loss to Argentina and are desperate for a win. Uncharacteristically, both teams are currently at the bottom of the Rugby Championship standings.
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In the second Test, the stakes are high. The Springboks could secure the championship title with a win, as long as they can limit Argentina’s bonus points. However, Argentina’s strong second-half performance against the Wallabies last week could pose a serious threat to the reigning world champions.
Round 5
Australia v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 21 September
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (RFU)
Local kick-off: 15:55
GMT kick-off: 5:55
NZL kick-off: 17:55
AUS (AEST) kick-off: 15:55
RSA kick-off: 7:55
ARG kick-off: 2:55
EAT kick-off: 8:45
Argentina vs South Africa
Venue: Unique Mother of Cities Stadium, Santiago del Estero.
ARG kick-off: 2300hrs
EAT kick-off: 12am (Sunday)
RSA kick-off: 2300hrs
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant Referees: Matt Carley, Gianluca Gnecchi
Television Match Official: Ian Tempest
