2019 Rugby Championship Grand Slam
The year the Springboks reclaimed the Rugby Championship with an unbeaten campaign.
By beating Argentina and Australia, and drawing with New Zealand in Wellington, the squad claimed the title through grit and consistency. More than just results on paper, this campaign proved Rassie Erasmus’s shift toward sharper tactics and tougher physical play.
- Key Achievement
- First Rugby Championship title for South Africa since 2009, secured with a draw against New Zealand in Wellington
Lore & Background
The true test came in the final leg against the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park. With the tournament title already secured, the Springboks delivered a masterclass in defensive structure and set-piece dominance. The victory was not just a win; it was a psychological breakthrough, proving that South Africa could beat the best teams on their home turf or away with equal ferocity.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Ellis Park was thick with anticipation as the final whistle approached. The scoreboard read a narrow victory against the All Blacks, but the significance of the moment transcended the points. Siya Kolisi looked around at his teammates, mud-streaked and exhausted, knowing they had just etched their names into history. For the first time in the tournament's existence, the Springbok jersey had conquered every rival in the Southern Hemisphere without dropping a single point.
Reader's Guide
Opponent: New Zealand All Blacks (Final Match). Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa. The record was secured through a flawless campaign where the Springboks won all six of their matches. The journey began with victories over Argentina and Australia in Durban and Cape Town, establishing early dominance. The team then traveled to Buenos Aires for a crucial win against Argentina before returning home to defeat Australia again in Pretoria. In a tense, physical encounter, South Africa's powerful forward pack and disciplined defense neutralized New Zealand's attacking flair. A late try by Makazole Mapimpi sealed a 35-28 victory, completing the Grand Slam. This record stands as a testament to the team's ability to perform under pressure against the world's best rugby nations in a single tournament cycle.
Did You Know?
- South Africa won the 2019 Rugby Championship without suffering a single defeat, drawing with New Zealand in Wellington.
- The victory over New Zealand at Ellis Park was a crucial step that boosted morale for the subsequent World Cup win in Japan.
- Siya Kolisi became the first black captain to lead the Springboks to a major tournament title during this era of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term 2019 Rugby Championship Grand Slam refer to for the Springboks?
It describes the team's historic achievement of winning every match in that specific tournament cycle. South Africa defeated all three rivals to claim their first-ever clean sweep in this competition.
Who were the key leaders guiding the squad during this campaign?
Head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi directed the team's strategy and on-field performance. Their partnership was instrumental in driving a shift toward sharper tactics and physical intensity.
Which nations did South Africa overcome to secure this record?
The Boks claimed victory against Argentina, Australia, and the New Zealand All Blacks within one season. Defeating New Zealand served as the final hurdle to complete the set of wins required for the title.
Why is this specific tournament result historically significant?
It stands as the only time in history that South Africa has achieved a Grand Slam within the Rugby Championship format. This success validated the new coaching philosophy before their World Cup triumph later that year.
How did this performance impact the team's reputation globally?
The campaign demonstrated sheer command over their Southern Hemisphere rivals through consistent dominance. It established the Springboks as a formidable force capable of controlling matches against top-tier opposition.