Overview
- South Africa clinched back-to-back titles with a 29-27 win over Argentina at Twickenham, edging New Zealand on points difference after both finished on 19 log points.
- Heavy wins powered the margin, including a record 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington and a 67-30 rout of Argentina in Durban, as the Springboks set team highs of 208 points and 27 tries in the tournament.
- The All Blacks placed second and confirmed a November itinerary of Ireland in Chicago followed by Scotland in Edinburgh, England at Twickenham and Wales in Cardiff.
- Coach Scott Robertson said Beauden Barrett will be fit to travel, with Caleb Clarke and Ethan de Groot also returning, but Tupou Vaa’i (meniscus), Tyrel Lomax (broken thumb), Emoni Narawa and Noah Hotham will miss the tour.
- Scheduling remains in flux, with Reuters reporting South Africa and New Zealand have opted out of a full Rugby Championship next year as SANZAAR readies a 2026–30 roadmap, while November tours carry ranking stakes ahead of the 2027 World Cup draw.