The 2013 Rugby Championship, known as The Castle 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 for sponsorship reasons, was the second edition of the expanded annual southern hemisphere championship consisting of Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. New Zealand as the 2012 holders, was trying to keep their 100% winning record in the championship after winning six from six in 2012.
The Championship began on 17 August with Australia hosting New Zealand at Stadium Australia and South Africa hosting Argentina at the FNB Stadium. The match between South Africa and Argentina was originally meant to be held at the Free State Stadium, but it was moved to the FNB to form a unique sports programme – Nelson Mandela Sports Day – in honour of Nelson Mandela.[1]
The Championship concluded with South Africa hosting New Zealand at the Ellis Park Stadium and Argentina hosting Australia at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito. Argentina were the only nation to reuse the same venues from 2012.[2]
The Championship was retained by New Zealand after a 38-27 win against South Africa at Ellis Park on 5 October, keeping their 100 percent winning record in the expanded championship.[3][4][5]
With this win, South Africa records their biggest winning margin over Argentina of 60. It was previously 54 which they held from 2008.
South Africa records the most points scored by one team in a match in either the Rugby Championship or Tri Nations. It was previously 61 by South Africa in a 61-22 win over Australia in 1997.
South Africa records the biggest winning margin in either the Rugby Championship or Tri Nations. It was previously held by Australia in 2006 following a 49-0 victory over South Africa
Australia captain James Horwill was selected in the starting XV, but was withdrawn ahead of the match with a hamstring injury.[13]Jake Schatz could have made his debut of the bench, but was ruled out hours before kick off with a knee injury.[14]
First win for South Africa at Lang Park and their first in Brisbane since 1971.
The victory marks the biggest ever winning margin by South Africa over Australia in Australia.
On 3 August and 9 August, Argentina played two uncapped matches against a New South Wales Waratahs Barbarians team in La Plata and in Salta in preparation for the tournament. The NSW Barbarians was composed of 21 Waratahs players (mostly players not involved in the Australian set-up for the championship) and 13 Shute Shield players.[23]
^Captain Fernández Lobbe was ruled out of the opening two fixtures due to a calf injury, and with his absence, Contepomi was given captaincy for this fixture.[26]
^Captain James Horwill was ruled out of rounds 3 and 4 with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Will Genia became captain for round 3.[27]
^Stand-in captain Will Genia was selected on the bench for round 4, and Ben Mowen became captain for this fixture.[28]
^Captain McCaw was ruled out of rounds 4 and 5 due to an injury. In his absence, Kieran Read became captain.[29]
Note:
Ages, Caps and Clubs are off the starting date of the tournament (17 August 2013).
Argentina
Argentina 30-man Squad for the Championship was announced on 25 June.[30][31]
Australia 30-man squad for the Championship, including 8 uncapped players and the re-call of Fly Half Quade Cooper.[33]
With captain James Horwill ruled out of round's 3 and 4 and with Hugh McMeniman also out injured, Sitaleki Timani was brought into the squad as cover for the second row,[13] but kept his place in the squad for the final two rounds. Dave Dennis was added to the squad to replace Jake Schatz who was ruled out of the championship after picking up an injury in training ahead of round 3.[34]
James O'Connor was removed from the squad on 20 September following an off-field incident that occurred following the Wallabies win over Argentina in round 4. Uncapped player Peter Betham was called in as his replacement.[37]
Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.
New Zealand 28-man squad for the Championship was announced on 4 August. Joe Moody was included in the squad as injury cover for Wyatt Crockett – who had a knee injury. Three additional players will assemble with the squad as part of the wider training squad, but will be released to their provincial sides on the Wednesday of each Test match; these players are: Frank Halai, Jeremy Thrush, and Francis Saili.[38] Following an injury to Francis Saili, Centre Ryan Crotty was added to the training squad but will be released to his provincial side along with Halai and Thrush.[39]
‡ – Included as injury cover for Wyatt Crockett. * – Part of the wider training squad
South Africa
South Africa 30-man squad for the Championship was announced on 3 August 2013.[46]
On 18 August Lourens Adriaanse was added as a replacement for Trevor Nyakane, who was removed from the squad following repeated breaches of team protocol (he missed the bus and the team's flight to Argentina).[47]
