Overview

• James O’Connor replaces concussed Tom Lynagh at flyhalf for the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg, marking his first Test appearance since 2022.
• Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus withdrew prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels and added Boan Venter to the bench as late front-row cover for Saturday’s clash.
• Scott Barrett returns from a calf injury to captain New Zealand against Argentina in Córdoba, anchoring a largely revamped All Blacks lineup.
• Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi reinstated Top 14 stars Santiago Chocobares, Bautista Delguy, Marcos Kremer and Juan Cruz Mallía in his starting XV for the Cordoba Test.
• With opening-round fixtures locked in for August 16, SANZAAR talks on a South Africa–New Zealand tour and World Rugby’s Nations Cup are steering the Rugby Championship toward a biennial format.