2015 Rugby Championship

2015 Rugby Championship
Date17 July 2015 – 8 August 2015
Countries Argentina
 Australia
 New Zealand
 South Africa
Final positions
Champions Australia (4th title)
Bledisloe Cup New Zealand
Freedom Cup New Zealand
Mandela Challenge Plate Australia
Puma Trophy Australia
Tournament statistics
Matches played6
Tries scored33 (5.5 per match)
Attendance243,416 (40,569 per match)
Top scorer(s)South Africa Handré Pollard (30)
Most triesAustralia Adam Ashley-Cooper (3)
Argentina Juan Imhoff (3)
2014
2016

The 2015 Rugby Championship was the fourth edition of the expanded annual southern hemisphere Rugby Championship consisting of Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

The 2015 Championship was a shorter competition than normal, with each team playing each other once, rather than twice (home and away). This was so that teams had a longer preparation time ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup which started on 18 September. However, New Zealand hosted an additional match against Australia in Auckland on 15 August which acted as the second Bledisloe Cup test and as a World Cup warm-up.[1] Argentina hosted a second match against South Africa on the same date.

The tournament was known for sponsorship reasons 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.

Australia won the Championship, becoming just the second team to win the tournament since 2012.[2] However, including the previous format of the Championship, Australia claimed the title for the first time since 2011, and achieved a 100% win rate for the first time ever in either format.[3][4]

South Africa finished bottom of the table. This was also the first ever year that South Africa failed to record a single win in either the Rugby Championship or Tri Nations Series.[5]

Standings

[edit]
Place Nation Games Points Try
Bonus
Losing
Bonus
Table
points
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Diff
1  Australia 3 3 0 0 85 48 +37 1 0 13
2  New Zealand 3 2 0 1 85 65 +20 1 0 9
3  Argentina 3 1 0 2 64 98 –34 1 0 5
4  South Africa 3 0 0 3 65 88 –23 0 2 2

Fixtures

[edit]

Week 1

[edit]
17 July 2015
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
(1 BP) New Zealand 39–18 Argentina
Try: McCaw 20' m
Nonu 40' c
Piutau 42' c
Read 48' c
Taylor 71 c
Con: Carter (4/5) 40', 44', 49', 73'
Pen: Carter (2/4) 5', 16'
Report[6]Try: Creevy (2) 55' m, 61' c
Con: Sánchez (1/2) 61'
Pen: Sánchez (2/3) 12', 33'
Rugby League Park, Christchurch
Attendance: 17,512
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
FB 15 Israel Dagg
RW 14 Waisake Naholo downward-facing red arrow 51'
OC 13 Ma'a Nonu downward-facing red arrow 73'
IC 12 Sonny Bill Williams
LW 11 Charles Piutau
FH 10 Dan Carter
SH 9 TJ Perenara downward-facing red arrow 70'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Jerome Kaino downward-facing red arrow 70'
RL 5 Brodie Retallick
LL 4 Luke Romano downward-facing red arrow 59'
TP 3 Owen Franks downward-facing red arrow 54'
HK 2 Keven Mealamu downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Tony Woodcock downward-facing red arrow 59'
Replacements:
HK 16 Codie Taylor upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Wyatt Crockett upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 18 Nepo Laulala upward-facing green arrow 54'
LK 19 Jeremy Thrush upward-facing green arrow 59'
FL 20 Liam Messam upward-facing green arrow 70'
SH 21 Andrew Ellis upward-facing green arrow 70'
FH 22 Colin Slade upward-facing green arrow 51'
CE 23 Ryan Crotty upward-facing green arrow 73'
Coach:
New Zealand Steve Hansen
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet downward-facing red arrow 55'
RW 14 Horacio Agulla
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente downward-facing red arrow 68'
LW 11 Santiago Cordero
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez
SH 9 Tomás Cubelli downward-facing red arrow 55'
N8 8 Facundo Isa
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón downward-facing red arrow 49'
RL 5 Guido Petti downward-facing red arrow 62'
LL 4 Manuel Carizza
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera downward-facing red arrow 54'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c) downward-facing red arrow 62'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza downward-facing red arrow 62'
Replacements:
HK 16 Julián Montoya upward-facing green arrow 62'
PR 17 Lucas Noguera Paz upward-facing green arrow 62'
PR 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro upward-facing green arrow 54'
N8 19 Benjamín Macome upward-facing green arrow 62'
FL 20 Javier Ortega Desio upward-facing green arrow 49'
SH 21 Martín Landajo upward-facing green arrow 55'
FH 22 Santiago González Iglesias upward-facing green arrow 68'
FB 23 Lucas González Amorosino upward-facing green arrow 55'
Coach:
Argentina Daniel Hourcade

Touch judges:
Angus Gardner (Australia)
Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official:
George Ayoub (Australia)

Notes:


18 July 2015
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia 24–20 South Africa (1 BP)
Try: Ashley-Cooper 32' c
Hooper 73' c
Kuridrani 80' c
Con: Cooper (2/2) 33', 74'
Giteau (1/1) 80'
Pen: Cooper (1/3) 54'
Report[7]Try: Etzebeth 37' c
Kriel 44' c
Con: Pollard (2/2) 39', 45'
Pen: Pollard (2/3) 15', 25'
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 37,633
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt Giteau red cross icon 67' to 74'
LW 11 Rob Horne downward-facing red arrow 57'
FH 10 Quade Cooper downward-facing red arrow 65' upward-facing green arrow 67' downward-facing red arrow 74'
SH 9 Will Genia downward-facing red arrow 40'
N8 8 Scott Higginbotham downward-facing red arrow 45'
OF 7 Michael Hooper
BF 6 Scott Fardy
RL 5 Rob Simmons
LL 4 Will Skelton downward-facing red arrow 50'
TP 3 Sekope Kepu downward-facing red arrow 45'
HK 2 Stephen Moore (c)
LP 1 James Slipper downward-facing red arrow 65'
Replacements:
HK 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
PR 17 Scott Sio upward-facing green arrow 65'
PR 18 Greg Holmes upward-facing green arrow 45'
LK 19 James Horwill upward-facing green arrow 50'
FL 20 David Pocock upward-facing green arrow 45'
SH 21 Nick Phipps upward-facing green arrow 40'
CE 22 Matt To'omua upward-facing green arrow 65'
WG 23 Drew Mitchell upward-facing green arrow 57'
Coach:
Australia Michael Cheika
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 JP Pietersen
OC 13 Jesse Kriel downward-facing red arrow 67'
IC 12 Damian de Allende
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard downward-facing red arrow 67'
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar downward-facing red arrow 67'
N8 8 Schalk Burger
OF 7 Marcell Coetzee downward-facing red arrow 69'
BF 6 Francois Louw red cross icon 28' to 40'
RL 5 Victor Matfield (c) downward-facing red arrow 17'
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis downward-facing red arrow 13' upward-facing green arrow 17' downward-facing red arrow 47'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis downward-facing red arrow 49'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira downward-facing red arrow 49'
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss upward-facing green arrow 49'
PR 17 Heinke van der Merwe upward-facing green arrow 49'
PR 18 Frans Malherbe upward-facing green arrow 13' downward-facing red arrow 17' upward-facing green arrow 47'
LK 19 Lood de Jager upward-facing green arrow 17'
FL 20 Oupa Mohojé upward-facing green arrow 28' downward-facing red arrow 40' upward-facing green arrow 69'
SH 21 Cobus Reinach upward-facing green arrow 67'
FH 22 Pat Lambie upward-facing green arrow 67'
WG 23 Lwazi Mvovo upward-facing green arrow 67'
Coach:
South Africa Heyneke Meyer

Man of the Match:
Michael Hooper (Australia)

Touch judges:
Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

Notes:

  • Jesse Kriel made his international debut for South Africa.
  • Matt Giteau, being named in the starting XV, became the first overseas based player to play for the Wallabies, by virtue of their new selection policy. Drew Mitchell also based overseas, played off the bench.
  • Australia won the Mandela Challenge Plate for the first time since 2012.
  • Australia earned their first ever opening fixture of the Rugby Championship.

Week 2

[edit]
25 July 2015
17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
(1 BP) South Africa 20–27 New Zealand
Try: Le Roux 9' c
Kriel 45' c
Con: Pollard (2/2) 10', 46'
Pen: Pollard (2/3) 20', 56'
Report[8]Try: B. Smith 39' c
Coles 48' c
McCaw 73' c
Con: Sopoaga (3/3) 40', 49', 74'
Pen: Sopoaga (2/4) 2', 80'
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Attendance: 62,000
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
FB 15 Willie le Roux downward-facing red arrow 62'
RW 14 Cornal Hendricks
OC 13 Jesse Kriel downward-facing red arrow 77'
IC 12 Damian de Allende
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard red cross icon 39' to 40'
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar downward-facing red arrow 75'
N8 8 Schalk Burger (c)
OF 7 Francois Louw downward-facing red arrow 41'
BF 6 Heinrich Brüssow
RL 5 Lood de Jager downward-facing red arrow 59'
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth
TP 3 Jannie du Plessis downward-facing red arrow 40'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira downward-facing red arrow 69'
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss upward-facing green arrow 69'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane upward-facing green arrow 61'
PR 18 Vincent Koch upward-facing green arrow 40' downward-facing red arrow 61'
LK 19 Flip van der Merwe upward-facing green arrow 59'
N8 20 Warren Whiteley upward-facing green arrow 41'
SH 21 Cobus Reinach upward-facing green arrow 75'
FH 22 Pat Lambie upward-facing green arrow 39' downward-facing red arrow 40' upward-facing green arrow 62'
CE 23 Lionel Mapoe upward-facing green arrow 77'
Coach:
South Africa Heyneke Meyer
FB 15 Israel Dagg downward-facing red arrow 51'
RW 14 Ben Smith
OC 13 Conrad Smith
IC 12 Ma'a Nonu downward-facing red arrow 46'
LW 11 Charles Piutau
FH 10 Lima Sopoaga
SH 9 Aaron Smith downward-facing red arrow 64'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Liam Messam downward-facing red arrow 56'
RL 5 James Broadhurst downward-facing red arrow 40'
LL 4 Brodie Retallick
TP 3 Owen Franks downward-facing red arrow 56'
HK 2 Dane Coles downward-facing red arrow 62'
LP 1 Tony Woodcock downward-facing red arrow 49'
Replacements:
HK 16 Codie Taylor upward-facing green arrow 62'
PR 17 Wyatt Crockett upward-facing green arrow 49'
PR 18 Ben Franks upward-facing green arrow 56'
LK 19 Sam Whitelock yellow card 59' to 69' upward-facing green arrow 40'
N8 20 Victor Vito upward-facing green arrow 56'
SH 21 TJ Perenara upward-facing green arrow 64'
FH 22 Beauden Barrett upward-facing green arrow 51'
CE 23 Malakai Fekitoa upward-facing green arrow 46'
Coach:
New Zealand Steve Hansen

Man of the Match:
Charles Piutau (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Romain Poite (France)
Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Television match official:
Graham Hughes (England)

Notes:


25 July 2015
19:40 ART (UTC-03)
Argentina 9–34 Australia (1 BP)
Pen: Sánchez (3/3) 29', 40', 57'Report[9]Try: Tomane 16' m
Mumm 58' m
Kuridrani 77' c
Ashley-Cooper 78' m
Con: Foley (1/4) 77'
Pen: Foley (4/5) 39', 42', 53', 69'
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
FB 15 Santiago Cordero
RW 14 Gonzalo Camacho downward-facing red arrow 56'
OC 13 Matías Moroni
IC 12 Juan Pablo Socino
LW 11 Juan Imhoff
FH 10 Nicolás Sánchez downward-facing red arrow 66'
SH 9 Martín Landajo downward-facing red arrow 61'
N8 8 Facundo Isa downward-facing red arrow 63'
OF 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
BF 6 Javier Ortega Desio
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini downward-facing red arrow 66'
LL 4 Manuel Carizza
TP 3 Ramiro Herrera downward-facing red arrow 52'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c) downward-facing red arrow 72'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza downward-facing red arrow 67'
Replacements:
HK 16 Santiago Iglesias Valdez upward-facing green arrow 72'
PR 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro upward-facing green arrow 52'
PR 18 Matías Díaz upward-facing green arrow 67'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno upward-facing green arrow 66'
N8 20 Leonardo Senatore upward-facing green arrow 63'
SH 21 Tomás Cubelli upward-facing green arrow 61'
FH 22 Santiago González Iglesias upward-facing green arrow 66'
FB 23 Lucas González Amorosino upward-facing green arrow 56'
Coach:
Argentina Daniel Hourcade
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt To'omua downward-facing red arrow 9'
LW 11 Joe Tomane
FH 10 Bernard Foley
SH 9 Nick Phipps downward-facing red arrow 75'
N8 8 Ben McCalman downward-facing red arrow 48'
OF 7 David Pocock
BF 6 Scott Fardy downward-facing red arrow 53'
RL 5 Rob Simmons
LL 4 Will Skelton
TP 3 Greg Holmes downward-facing red arrow 55'
HK 2 Stephen Moore (c) downward-facing red arrow 66'
LP 1 James Slipper downward-facing red arrow 39'
Replacements:
HK 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau upward-facing green arrow 66'
PR 17 Scott Sio upward-facing green arrow 39'
PR 18 Sekope Kepu upward-facing green arrow 55'
LK 19 Dean Mumm upward-facing green arrow 53'
FL 20 Michael Hooper upward-facing green arrow 48'
SH 21 Nic White upward-facing green arrow 75'
FH 22 Quade Cooper yellow card 65' to 75' upward-facing green arrow 9' downward-facing red arrow 75'
CE 23 Kurtley Beale upward-facing green arrow 75'
Coach:
Australia Michael Cheika

Man of the Match:
David Pocock (Australia)

Touch judges:
Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official:
Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Notes:

  • Juan Pablo Socino made his international debut for Argentina.
  • Kurtley Beale earned his 50th test cap for Australia.
  • Australia win the Puma Trophy.
  • With this win, Australia went top of the Rugby Championship table for the first ever time.

Week 3

[edit]
8 August 2015
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia 27–19 New Zealand
Try: Kepu 43' c
Ashley-Cooper 60' c
White 71' c
Con: Giteau (2/2) 44', 61'
White (1/1) 73'
Pen: Giteau (1/2) 26'
White (1/1) 68'
Report[10]Try: Milner-Skudder (2) 55' m, 64' m
Pen: Carter (3/3) 8', 29', 50'
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Attendance: 73,824
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
FB 15 Israel Folau
RW 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
OC 13 Tevita Kuridrani
IC 12 Matt Giteau downward-facing red arrow 65'
LW 11 Drew Mitchell
FH 10 Bernard Foley downward-facing red arrow 50'
SH 9 Nick Phipps yellow card 53' to 63' downward-facing red arrow 65'
N8 8 David Pocock red cross icon 61' to 68'
OF 7 Michael Hooper downward-facing red arrow 15' upward-facing green arrow 18'
BF 6 Scott Fardy downward-facing red arrow 76'
RL 5 James Horwill downward-facing red arrow 58'
LL 4 Dean Mumm
TP 3 Sekope Kepu yellow card 7' to 17' downward-facing red arrow 54'
HK 2 Stephen Moore (c) downward-facing red arrow 68'
LP 1 Scott Sio downward-facing red arrow 58'
Replacements:
HK 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau upward-facing green arrow 68'
PR 17 James Slipper upward-facing green arrow 58'
PR 18 Greg Holmes upward-facing green arrow 15' downward-facing red arrow 18' upward-facing green arrow 54'
LK 19 Will Skelton upward-facing green arrow 58'
N8 20 Ben McCalman upward-facing green arrow 61' downward-facing red arrow 68' upward-facing green arrow 76'
SH 21 Nic White upward-facing green arrow 65'
CE 22 Matt To'omua upward-facing green arrow 50'
CE 23 Kurtley Beale upward-facing green arrow 65'
Coach:
Australia Michael Cheika
FB 15 Ben Smith downward-facing red arrow 61'
RW 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder
OC 13 Conrad Smith
IC 12 Sonny Bill Williams downward-facing red arrow 54'
LW 11 Julian Savea
FH 10 Dan Carter
SH 9 Aaron Smith yellow card 42' to 52' downward-facing red arrow 77'
N8 8 Kieran Read
OF 7 Richie McCaw (c)
BF 6 Jerome Kaino downward-facing red arrow 73'
RL 5 Luke Romano downward-facing red arrow 54'
LL 4 Brodie Retallick
TP 3 Owen Franks downward-facing red arrow 44'
HK 2 Dane Coles downward-facing red arrow 68'
LP 1 Tony Woodcock downward-facing red arrow 73'
Replacements:
HK 16 Codie Taylor upward-facing green arrow 68'
PR 17 Ben Franks upward-facing green arrow 73'
PR 18 Nepo Laulala upward-facing green arrow 44'
LK 19 Sam Whitelock upward-facing green arrow 54'
FL 20 Sam Cane upward-facing green arrow 73'
SH 21 TJ Perenara upward-facing green arrow 77'
FH 22 Beauden Barrett upward-facing green arrow 61'
CE 23 Malakai Fekitoa upward-facing green arrow 54'
Coach:
New Zealand Steve Hansen

Man of the Match:
Michael Hooper (Australia)

Touch judges:
Nigel Owens (Wales)
Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Television match official:
Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Notes:

  • Nehe Milner-Skudder made his international debut for New Zealand.
  • Richie McCaw equalled Brian O'Driscoll's 141-cap record, as the most capped rugby player ever.
  • Australia beat New Zealand for the first time since their 25–20 win in 2011, while earning their first win at Stadium Australia since 2011.
  • New Zealand lose their first ever match in the Rugby Championship without claiming a losing bonus point; their last was during the 2011 Tri Nations Series.

8 August 2015
17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa 25–37 Argentina (1 BP)
Try: De Jager 35' c
Le Roux 48' c
Habana 78' m
Con: Pollard (2/2) 36', 49'
Pen: Pollard (2/2) 9', 28'
Report[11]Try: Bosch 1' c
Imhoff (3) 22' c, 30' c, 41' c
Con: Hernández (4/4) 2', 23', 32', 42'
Pen: Hernández (1/3) 37'
Bosch (1/1) 39'
Drop: Bosch (1/1) 62'
Kings Park Stadium, Durban
Attendance: 27,447
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Jesse Kriel
OC 13 Jean de Villiers (c)
IC 12 Damian de Allende
LW 11 Bryan Habana
FH 10 Handré Pollard downward-facing red arrow 65'
SH 9 Ruan Pienaar downward-facing red arrow 59'
N8 8 Schalk Burger
OF 7 Marcell Coetzee downward-facing red arrow 65'
BF 6 Heinrich Brüssow downward-facing red arrow 62'
RL 5 Lood de Jager
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth downward-facing red arrow 61'
TP 3 Vincent Koch downward-facing red arrow 40'
HK 2 Bismarck du Plessis downward-facing red arrow 56'
LP 1 Tendai Mtawarira downward-facing red arrow 61'
Replacements:
HK 16 Adriaan Strauss upward-facing green arrow 56'
PR 17 Trevor Nyakane upward-facing green arrow 61'
PR 18 Marcel van der Merwe upward-facing green arrow 40'
LK 19 Pieter-Steph du Toit upward-facing green arrow 61'
FL 20 Siya Kolisi upward-facing green arrow 62'
SH 21 Cobus Reinach upward-facing green arrow 59'
FH 22 Pat Lambie upward-facing green arrow 65'
WG 23 Lwazi Mvovo upward-facing green arrow 65'
Coach:
South Africa Heyneke Meyer
FB 15 Joaquín Tuculet
RW 14 Horacio Agulla
OC 13 Marcelo Bosch
IC 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente downward-facing red arrow 55'
LW 11 Juan Imhoff
FH 10 Juan Martín Hernández downward-facing red arrow 62'
SH 9 Tomás Cubelli downward-facing red arrow 66'
N8 8 Leonardo Senatore
OF 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamón downward-facing red arrow 65'
BF 6 Pablo Matera yellow card 75' to 80'
RL 5 Tomás Lavanini
LL 4 Guido Petti downward-facing red arrow 56'
TP 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro downward-facing red arrow 70'
HK 2 Agustín Creevy (c) downward-facing red arrow 67'
LP 1 Marcos Ayerza downward-facing red arrow 52'
Replacements:
HK 16 Julián Montoya upward-facing green arrow 67'
PR 17 Lucas Noguera Paz upward-facing green arrow 52'
PR 18 Matías Díaz upward-facing green arrow 70'
LK 19 Matías Alemanno upward-facing green arrow 56'
FL 20 Tomás Lezana upward-facing green arrow 65'
SH 21 Martín Landajo upward-facing green arrow 66'
FH 22 Santiago González Iglesias upward-facing green arrow 55'
FB 23 Lucas González Amorosino upward-facing green arrow 62'
Coach:
Argentina Daniel Hourcade

Man of the Match:
Juan Imhoff (Argentina)

Touch judges:
JP Doyle (England)
Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

Notes:

  • This was Argentina's first ever win over South Africa.
  • Argentina claim their first ever bonus point victory, and their first away victory, since joining the Rugby Championship in 2012.
  • With this loss, South Africa lost consecutive home Test matches for the first time since 2010–11; and lost four consecutive Test matches for the first time since 2010.
  • Juan Imhoff scored Argentina's first hat-trick of tries in the Rugby Championship; and the first hat-trick by any player in the tournament since Israel Folau scored three for Australia against Argentina in 2013.

Squads

[edit]

Summary

[edit]
Nation Match venues Head coach Captain
Name City Capacity
 Argentina Estadio Malvinas Argentinas Mendoza 40,268 Argentina Daniel Hourcade Agustín Creevy
 Australia Stadium Australia Sydney 84,000 Australia Michael Cheika Stephen Moore
Lang Park Brisbane 53,000
 New Zealand Rugby League Park Christchurch 18,000 New Zealand Steve Hansen Richie McCaw
 South Africa Ellis Park Stadium Johannesburg 62,567 South Africa Heyneke Meyer Victor Matfield
Schalk Burger
Jean de Villiers
Kings Park Stadium Durban 52,000

Note: Ages, caps and domestic side are of 17 July 2015 – the starting date of the tournament.

Argentina

[edit]

Argentina's 36-man squad for the Championship, was announced on 26 June 2015.[12]

On 29 March, Juan Pablo Orlandi was called up to the squad to replace the injured Ramiro Herrera.[13]

Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Agustín Creevy (c) Hooker (1985-03-15)15 March 1985 (aged 30) 36 Argentina UAR
Santiago Iglesias Valdez Hooker (1993-05-26)26 May 1993 (aged 22) 10 Argentina UAR
Julián Montoya Hooker (1993-10-29)29 October 1993 (aged 21) 6 Argentina UAR
Marcos Ayerza Prop (1983-01-12)12 January 1983 (aged 32) 57 England Leicester Tigers
Matías Díaz Prop (1993-03-16)16 March 1993 (aged 22) 9 Argentina UAR
Juan Figallo Prop (1988-03-25)25 March 1988 (aged 27) 22 England Saracens
Ramiro Herrera Prop (1989-02-14)14 February 1989 (aged 26) 11 Argentina UAR
Lucas Noguera Paz Prop (1993-05-10)10 May 1993 (aged 22) 13 Argentina UAR
Juan Pablo Orlandi Prop (1983-06-20)20 June 1983 (aged 32) 15 Unattached
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro Prop (1989-11-06)6 November 1989 (aged 25) 16 Argentina UAR
Matías Alemanno Lock (1991-12-05)5 December 1991 (aged 23) 11 Argentina UAR
Manuel Carizza Lock (1984-08-23)23 August 1984 (aged 30) 44 France Racing 92
Tomás Lavanini Lock (1993-01-22)22 January 1993 (aged 22) 18 Unattached
Guido Petti Lock (1994-11-17)17 November 1994 (aged 20) 4 Argentina UAR
Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe Flanker (1981-11-19)19 November 1981 (aged 33) 61 France Toulon
Juan Manuel Leguizamón Flanker (1983-06-06)6 June 1983 (aged 32) 59 Unattached
Tomás Lezana Flanker (1994-02-16)16 February 1994 (aged 21) 3 Argentina UAR
Pablo Matera Flanker (1993-07-18)18 July 1993 (aged 21) 14 Argentina UAR
Javier Ortega Desio Flanker (1990-06-14)14 June 1990 (aged 25) 14 Argentina UAR
Facundo Isa Number 8 (1993-09-21)21 September 1993 (aged 21) 5 Argentina UAR
Benjamín Macome Number 8 (1986-01-10)10 January 1986 (aged 29) 21 France Bayonne
Leonardo Senatore Number 8 (1984-05-13)13 May 1984 (aged 31) 29 Unattached
Tomás Cubelli Scrum-half (1989-06-12)12 June 1989 (aged 26) 34 Argentina UAR
Felipe Ezcurra Scrum-half (1993-04-15)15 April 1993 (aged 22) 2 Argentina Hindú
Martín Landajo Scrum-half (1988-06-14)14 June 1988 (aged 27) 42 Argentina UAR
Santiago González Iglesias Fly-half (1988-06-16)16 June 1988 (aged 27) 14 Argentina UAR
Nicolás Sánchez Fly-half (1988-10-26)26 October 1988 (aged 26) 30 Argentina UAR
Juan Pablo Socino Fly-half (1988-05-30)30 May 1988 (aged 27) 0 England Newcastle Falcons
Marcelo Bosch Centre (1984-01-07)7 January 1984 (aged 31) 33 England Saracens
Jerónimo de la Fuente Centre (1991-02-24)24 February 1991 (aged 24) 11 Argentina UAR
Juan Martín Hernández Centre (1982-08-07)7 August 1982 (aged 32) 52 Unattached
Matías Moroni Centre (1991-03-29)29 March 1991 (aged 24) 2 Argentina UAR
Horacio Agulla Wing (1984-10-22)22 October 1984 (aged 30) 58 England Bath
Gonzalo Camacho Wing (1984-08-28)28 August 1984 (aged 30) 23 England Leicester Tigers
Santiago Cordero Wing (1993-12-06)6 December 1993 (aged 21) 9 Argentina UAR
Juan Imhoff Wing (1988-05-11)11 May 1988 (aged 27) 26 France Racing 92
Lucas González Amorosino Fullback (1985-11-02)2 November 1985 (aged 29) 40 Unattached
Joaquín Tuculet Fullback (1989-08-08)8 August 1989 (aged 25) 20 Argentina UAR

Australia

[edit]

On 2 July 2015, Michael Cheika named an extended 40-man squad for the 2015 Rugby Championship.[14] The squad included newly eligible players Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchel, both based at Toulon, France, and uncapped Fijian duo Samu Kerevi and Taqele Naiyaravoro who are eligible through residency.

On 5 July, Henry Speight withdrew from the squad due to compassionate leave, and he was replaced with Nick Cummins.[15]

Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
James Hanson Hooker (1988-09-15)15 September 1988 (aged 26) 9 Australia Reds
Stephen Moore (c) Hooker (1983-01-20)20 January 1983 (aged 32) 92 Australia Brumbies
Tatafu Polota-Nau Hooker (1985-07-26)26 July 1985 (aged 29) 50 Australia Waratahs
Tetera Faulkner Prop (1988-07-26)26 July 1988 (aged 26) 2 Australia Force
Greg Holmes Prop (1983-06-11)11 June 1983 (aged 32) 13 Australia Reds
Sekope Kepu Prop (1986-02-05)5 February 1986 (aged 29) 52 Australia Waratahs
Scott Sio Prop (1991-10-16)16 October 1991 (aged 23) 5 Australia Brumbies
James Slipper Prop (1989-06-06)6 June 1989 (aged 26) 63 Australia Reds
Toby Smith Prop (1988-10-10)10 October 1988 (aged 26) 0 Australia Rebels
Rory Arnold Lock (1990-07-01)1 July 1990 (aged 25) 0 Australia Brumbies
Dave Dennis Lock (1986-01-10)10 January 1986 (aged 29) 18 Australia Waratahs
James Horwill Lock (1985-05-29)29 May 1985 (aged 30) 58 Australia Reds
Dean Mumm Lock (1984-03-05)5 March 1984 (aged 31) 33 Australia Waratahs
Rob Simmons Lock (1989-04-19)19 April 1989 (aged 26) 50 Australia Reds
Will Skelton Lock (1992-05-03)3 May 1992 (aged 23) 8 Australia Waratahs
Scott Fardy Flanker (1984-07-05)5 July 1984 (aged 31) 20 Australia Brumbies
Michael Hooper Flanker (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 23) 42 Australia Waratahs
Sean McMahon Flanker (1994-06-18)18 June 1994 (aged 21) 3 Australia Rebels
David Pocock Flanker (1988-04-23)23 April 1988 (aged 27) 46 Australia Brumbies
Scott Higginbotham Number 8 (1986-09-05)5 September 1986 (aged 28) 31 Australia Rebels
Ben McCalman Number 8 (1988-03-18)18 March 1988 (aged 27) 38 Australia Force
Wycliff Palu Number 8 (1982-07-27)27 July 1982 (aged 32) 54 Australia Waratahs
Will Genia Scrum-half (1988-01-17)17 January 1988 (aged 27) 58 Australia Reds
Nick Phipps Scrum-half (1989-01-09)9 January 1989 (aged 26) 28 Australia Waratahs
Nic White Scrum-half (1990-06-13)13 June 1990 (aged 25) 19 Australia Brumbies
Quade Cooper Fly-half (1988-04-05)5 April 1988 (aged 27) 53 Australia Reds
Bernard Foley Fly-half (1989-09-08)8 September 1989 (aged 25) 18 Australia Waratahs
Kurtley Beale Centre (1989-01-06)6 January 1989 (aged 26) 49 Australia Waratahs
Matt Giteau Centre (1982-09-29)29 September 1982 (aged 32) 92 France Toulon
Samu Kerevi Centre (1993-09-27)27 September 1993 (aged 21) 0 Australia Reds
Tevita Kuridrani Centre (1991-03-31)31 March 1991 (aged 24) 20 Australia Brumbies
Christian Lealiifano Centre (1987-09-24)24 September 1987 (aged 27) 16 Australia Brumbies
Matt To'omua Centre (1990-01-02)2 January 1990 (aged 25) 21 Australia Brumbies
Adam Ashley-Cooper Wing (1984-03-27)27 March 1984 (aged 31) 104 Australia Waratahs
Nick Cummins Wing (1987-10-05)5 October 1987 (aged 27) 15 Australia Force
Rob Horne Wing (1989-08-15)15 August 1989 (aged 25) 25 Australia Waratahs
Drew Mitchell Wing (1984-03-26)26 March 1984 (aged 31) 63 France Toulon
Taqele Naiyaravoro Wing (1991-12-07)7 December 1991 (aged 23) 0 Australia Waratahs
Henry Speight Wing (1988-03-25)25 March 1988 (aged 27) 2 Australia Brumbies
Joe Tomane Wing (1990-02-11)11 February 1990 (aged 25) 14 Australia Brumbies
Israel Folau Fullback (1989-04-03)3 April 1989 (aged 26) 29 Australia Waratahs

New Zealand

[edit]

On 21 June 2015, New Zealand named a 41-man squad for the July 8 clash with Samoa, won by the All Blacks 25–16, the 2015 Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup test on 15 August.[16]

Nepo Laulala and Andrew Ellis are included in the squad as injury cover for Charlie Faumuina and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

On 2 August, Patrick Osborne was added to the squad ahead the back to back clashes against Australia.[17]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Dane Coles Hooker (1986-12-10)10 December 1986 (aged 28) 27 Hurricanes / Wellington
Hika Elliot Hooker (1986-01-22)22 January 1986 (aged 29) 4 Chiefs / Poverty Bay
Keven Mealamu Hooker (1979-03-20)20 March 1979 (aged 36) 124 Blues / Auckland
Codie Taylor Hooker (1991-03-31)31 March 1991 (aged 24) 0 Crusaders / Canterbury
Wyatt Crockett Prop (1983-01-24)24 January 1983 (aged 32) 37 Crusaders / Canterbury
Charlie Faumuina Prop (1986-12-24)24 December 1986 (aged 28) 27 Blues / Auckland
Ben Franks Prop (1984-03-27)27 March 1984 (aged 31) 41 Hurricanes / Hawke's Bay
Owen Franks Prop (1987-12-23)23 December 1987 (aged 27) 68 Crusaders / Canterbury
Nepo Laulala Prop (1991-11-06)6 November 1991 (aged 23) 1 Crusaders / Canterbury
Joe Moody Prop (1988-09-18)18 September 1988 (aged 26) 8 Crusaders / Canterbury
Tony Woodcock Prop (1981-01-27)27 January 1981 (aged 34) 111 Blues / North Harbour
James Broadhurst Lock (1987-12-01)1 December 1987 (aged 27) 0 Hurricanes / Taranaki
Brodie Retallick Lock (1991-05-31)31 May 1991 (aged 24) 37 Chiefs / Bay of Plenty
Luke Romano Lock (1986-02-16)16 February 1986 (aged 29) 18 Crusaders / Canterbury
Jeremy Thrush Lock (1985-04-19)19 April 1985 (aged 30) 11 Hurricanes / Wellington
Sam Whitelock Lock (1988-10-12)12 October 1988 (aged 26) 63 Crusaders / Canterbury
Sam Cane Flanker (1992-01-13)13 January 1992 (aged 23) 22 Chiefs / Bay of Plenty
Jerome Kaino Flanker (1983-04-06)6 April 1983 (aged 32) 57 Blues / Auckland
Richie McCaw (c) Flanker (1980-12-31)31 December 1980 (aged 34) 138 Crusaders / Canterbury
Liam Messam Flanker (1984-03-25)25 March 1984 (aged 31) 40 Chiefs / Waikato
Matt Todd Flanker (1988-03-24)24 March 1988 (aged 27) 3 Crusaders / Canterbury
Kieran Read Number 8 (1985-10-26)26 October 1985 (aged 29) 73 Crusaders / Canterbury
Victor Vito Number 8 (1987-03-27)27 March 1987 (aged 28) 26 Hurricanes / Wellington
Andrew Ellis Half-back (1984-02-21)21 February 1984 (aged 31) 27 Crusaders / Canterbury
Tawera Kerr-Barlow Half-back (1990-08-15)15 August 1990 (aged 24) 15 Chiefs / Waikato
TJ Perenara Half-back (1992-01-23)23 January 1992 (aged 23) 11 Hurricanes / Wellington
Aaron Smith Half-back (1988-11-21)21 November 1988 (aged 26) 38 Highlanders / Manawatu
Beauden Barrett First five-eighth (1991-05-27)27 May 1991 (aged 24) 28 Hurricanes / Taranaki
Dan Carter First five-eighth (1982-03-05)5 March 1982 (aged 33) 103 Crusaders / Canterbury
Colin Slade First five-eighth (1987-10-10)10 October 1987 (aged 27) 18 Crusaders / Canterbury
Lima Sopoaga First five-eighth (1991-02-03)3 February 1991 (aged 24) 0 Highlanders / Southland
Ryan Crotty Centre (1988-09-23)23 September 1988 (aged 26) 14 Crusaders / Canterbury
Malakai Fekitoa Centre (1992-05-10)10 May 1992 (aged 23) 8 Highlanders / Auckland
Ma'a Nonu Centre (1982-05-21)21 May 1982 (aged 33) 94 Hurricanes / Wellington
Conrad Smith Centre (1981-10-12)12 October 1981 (aged 33) 85 Hurricanes / Wellington
Sonny Bill Williams Centre (1985-08-03)3 August 1985 (aged 29) 24 Chiefs / Counties Manukau
Cory Jane Wing (1983-02-08)8 February 1983 (aged 32) 53 Hurricanes / Wellington
Waisake Naholo Wing (1991-05-08)8 May 1991 (aged 24) 0 Highlanders / Taranaki
Patrick Osborne Wing (1987-06-14)14 June 1987 (aged 28) 0 Highlanders / Canterbury
Charles Piutau Wing (1991-10-31)31 October 1991 (aged 23) 15 Blues / Auckland
Julian Savea Wing (1990-08-07)7 August 1990 (aged 24) 33 Hurricanes / Wellington
Israel Dagg Fullback (1988-06-06)6 June 1988 (aged 27) 47 Crusaders / Hawke's Bay
Nehe Milner-Skudder Fullback (1990-12-15)15 December 1990 (aged 24) 0 Hurricanes / Manawatu
Ben Smith Fullback (1986-06-01)1 June 1986 (aged 29) 38 Highlanders / Otago

South Africa

[edit]

On 12 July 2015, coach Heyneke Meyer named the following 31-man squad for the 2015 Rugby Championship:[18]

On 20 July, Flip van der Merwe was added to the squad as injury cover for the second row.[19] Heinrich Brüssow and Cornal Hendricks were also included in the squad to face New Zealand in their second Rugby Championship match.[20]

On 5 August, Jean de Villiers, Siya Kolisi, Marcel van der Merwe and Pieter-Steph du Toit were added to the squad ahead of the final match against Argentina.[21]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Schalk Brits Hooker (1981-05-16)16 May 1981 (aged 34) 7 England Saracens
Bismarck du Plessis Hooker (1984-05-22)22 May 1984 (aged 31) 70 South Africa Sharks
Adriaan Strauss Hooker (1985-11-18)18 November 1985 (aged 29) 44 South Africa Bulls
Jannie du Plessis Prop (1982-11-16)16 November 1982 (aged 32) 62 South Africa Sharks
Vincent Koch Prop (1990-03-13)13 March 1990 (aged 25) 0 South Africa Stormers
Frans Malherbe Prop (1991-03-14)14 March 1991 (aged 24) 4 South Africa Stormers
Tendai Mtawarira Prop (1985-08-01)1 August 1985 (aged 29) 64 South Africa Sharks
Trevor Nyakane Prop (1989-05-04)4 May 1989 (aged 26) 13 South Africa Bulls
Heinke van der Merwe Prop (1985-05-03)3 May 1985 (aged 30) 4 France Stade Français
Marcel van der Merwe Prop (1990-10-24)24 October 1990 (aged 24) 5 South Africa Bulls
Lood de Jager Lock (1992-12-17)17 December 1992 (aged 22) 9 South Africa Cheetahs
Pieter-Steph du Toit Lock (1992-08-20) 20 August 1992 (age 32) 2 South Africa Sharks
Eben Etzebeth Lock (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 23) 33 South Africa Stormers
Victor Matfield (c) ‡ Lock (1977-05-11)11 May 1977 (aged 38) 121 South Africa Bulls
Flip van der Merwe Lock (1985-06-06)6 June 1985 (aged 30) 35 South Africa Bulls
Heinrich Brüssow Flanker (1986-07-21)21 July 1986 (aged 28) 20 South Africa Cheetahs
Schalk Burger Flanker (1983-04-13)13 April 1983 (aged 32) 75 South Africa Stormers
Siya Kolisi Flanker (1991-06-16)16 June 1991 (aged 24) 10 South Africa Stormers
Marcell Coetzee Flanker (1991-05-08)8 May 1991 (aged 24) 26 South Africa Sharks
Francois Louw Flanker (1985-06-15)15 June 1985 (aged 30) 34 England Bath
Oupa Mohojé Flanker (1990-08-03)3 August 1990 (aged 24) 7 South Africa Cheetahs
Warren Whiteley Number 8 (1987-09-18)18 September 1987 (aged 27) 2 South Africa Lions
Rudy Paige Scrum-half (1989-08-02)2 August 1989 (aged 25) 0 South Africa Bulls
Ruan Pienaar Scrum-half (1984-03-10)10 March 1984 (aged 31) 80 Republic of Ireland Ulster
Cobus Reinach Scrum-half (1990-02-07)7 February 1990 (aged 25) 6 South Africa Sharks
Handré Pollard Fly-half (1994-03-11)11 March 1994 (aged 21) 9 South Africa Bulls
Pat Lambie Fly-half (1990-10-17)17 October 1990 (aged 24) 40 South Africa Sharks
Morné Steyn Fly-half (1984-07-11)11 July 1984 (aged 31) 59 France Stade Français
Damian de Allende Centre (1991-11-25)25 November 1991 (aged 23) 3 South Africa Stormers
Jean de Villiers Centre (1981-02-24)24 February 1981 (aged 34) 106 South Africa Stormers
Lionel Mapoe Centre (1988-07-13)13 July 1988 (aged 27) 0 South Africa Lions
JP Pietersen Centre (1986-07-12)12 July 1986 (aged 29) 59 South Africa Sharks
Jan Serfontein Centre (1993-04-15)15 April 1993 (aged 22) 20 South Africa Bulls
Bryan Habana Wing (1983-06-12)12 June 1983 (aged 32) 106 France Toulon
Cornal Hendricks Wing (1988-04-18)18 April 1988 (aged 27) 11 South Africa Cheetahs
Lwazi Mvovo Wing (1986-06-03)3 June 1986 (aged 29) 10 South Africa Sharks
Jesse Kriel Fullback (1994-02-15)15 February 1994 (aged 21) 0 South Africa Bulls
Willie le Roux Fullback (1989-08-18)18 August 1989 (aged 25) 25 South Africa Cheetahs

‡ denotes players who are centrally contracted to the South African Rugby Union.

Statistics

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Draw revealed for The Rugby Championship 2015". SANZAR. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  2. ^ "Australia 27-19 New Zealand: Rugby Championship decider – as it happened". Guardian. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  3. ^ "Australia 27-19 New Zealand". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  4. ^ "Australia 27 New Zealand 19, Rugby Championship match report: All Blacks' aura dented by shock defeat". Daily Telegraph. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  5. ^ "Rugby Championship: South Africa 25-37 Argentina". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  6. ^ Staff, ESPN. "All Blacks impress in 21-point win over Pumas". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  7. ^ Staff, ESPN. "Kuridrani try secures Wallabies dramatic win". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  8. ^ Staff, ESPN. "All Blacks show championship mettle". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  9. ^ Staff, ESPN. "Wallabies redeem themselves in four-try showing". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  10. ^ Staff, ESPN. "Wallabies end drought against All Blacks". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  11. ^ "Argentina shock Springboks for historic victory in Durban". espn.co.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  12. ^ "Plantel de Los Pumas para viajar a Australia". uar.com.ar. Archived from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  13. ^ "Plantel de Los Pumas para viajar a Sudáfrica". uar.com.ar. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  14. ^ "Cheika names Qantas Wallabies Squad in Brisbane". Rugby15. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  15. ^ "Cummins joins Extended Qantas Wallabies Squad". Rugby15. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  16. ^ "All Blacks squad named for Samoa, Investec Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Test". 21 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  17. ^ McConnell, Lynn (2 August 2015). "Kerr-Barlow rewarded for hard work". Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  18. ^ "Springbok squad for Brisbane confirmed". South African Rugby Union. 12 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  19. ^ "SMatfield, Coetzee doubtful New Zealand Test". South African Rugby Union. 20 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  20. ^ "Eight changes for Springboks against New Zealand". South African Rugby Union. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  21. ^ "De Villiers returns to captain Springboks in Durban". South African Rugby Union. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.