Rugby Championship 2025: Can the Boks Keep the Crown?

The Rugby Championship 2025 is here — seven weeks of pure southern hemisphere firepower. From 16 August to 4 October, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina will collide in a battle for the most prestigious title outside the Rugby World Cup.

At Sportingbet, we’re giving punters front-row seats to the action with competitive rugby odds and a full range of rugby betting markets. And if you’re a Bok supporter (and let’s face it, most of us are), this is your chance to back the green and gold all the way.

The Springboks come into this tournament as reigning champions and back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners — and they’re not slowing down. Rassie Erasmus has named a stacked squad for the opener against Australia at Ellis Park, with 18 World Cup winners in the matchday 23.

Captain Siya Kolisi will wear the No. 8 jersey for the first time in his Test career, while the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx, and Pieter-Steph du Toit bring a mountain of experience and muscle. In the backline, speedsters Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe are ready to light up the turf.

Historically, the Boks have dominated Australia at Ellis Park — they’ve never lost to the Wallabies at the iconic stadium. Add in the fact that a win here would mark five straight victories against Australia (a feat not achieved since the early ’70s), and you’ve got a confident, hungry team.

For punters, this sets the stage for value in the rugby betting markets — from handicap spreads to try-scorer punts.

While the Boks start as favourites in most rugby odds, the competition is fierce.

• New Zealand: The All Blacks are fresh off a dominant series win over France. They’ll look to reclaim the crown they’ve won four times in the last five years. Their back-to-back clashes with the Boks on 6 and 13 September could be title-deciders.
  
  

• Australia: The Wallabies are riding a wave of optimism after downing the British & Irish Lions in their final Test. Under Joe Schmidt, they’ve rediscovered grit and tactical discipline. Still, beating the Boks at home will be their ultimate test.
  
  

• Argentina: Los Pumas have become a tournament wildcard. With home fixtures against New Zealand early and a Twickenham showdown with the Boks to close the campaign, they could play kingmakers in the final standings.

Here’s where the rugby odds will heat up:

• 16 Aug: South Africa vs Australia (Johannesburg) – The Boks’ fortress opener.
  

• 6 & 13 Sept: New Zealand vs South Africa (Auckland & Wellington) – High-stakes back-to-back clashes.
  

• 27 Sept: South Africa vs Argentina (Durban) – Potential title clincher at Kings Park.
  

• 4 Oct: Argentina vs South Africa (Twickenham) – A neutral-venue finale that could have it all.

At Sportingbet, we’re bringing punters a full spread of rugby betting markets for every match — from classic win/lose markets to first try scorer, total points, and in-play bets.

Whether you’re backing the Boks to defend their crown, predicting an All Blacks upset, or chasing big-odds value with an Argentina shock win, we’ve got everything you need to make a bet to remember. 

Plus, our rugby odds are updated in real time, so you can make your move as the action unfolds.

Bet on the Boks to cover a -17.5 spread against the Wallabies at odds of 1.91 for some incredible value.

This isn’t just another Rugby Championship. The Springboks are in a golden era, but they’re also in the crosshairs of three hungry rivals. Every game will be a battle of physicality, precision, and mental toughness.

For punters, that means opportunity — momentum swings, tactical surprises, and moments of brilliance that can turn a bet into a win. If you’re ready to bet on rugby, 2025 is shaping up as a perfect storm of form, rivalry, and high-stakes drama.

Final Whistle: The Rugby Championship is where legends are made. This year, the Springboks have history in their hands — and Sportingbet has the rugby betting markets to put you right in the middle of the action. Back the Boks. Back your instincts. And let’s make this Rugby Championship one to remember.