The Rugby Championship

The best head-to-head Matchups in the Rugby Championship this Weekend: Eben Etzebeth and Will Skelton set for titanic clash

by
Charlie Elliott
15 August 2025

The Rugby Championship is back and looks set to produce some fireworks, with the best of the southern hemisphere battling it out for the title.

South Africa have the chance to win back-to-back titles for the first time in their history, but have a clash at Eden Park to attend in a few rounds.

It all kicks off this Saturday with two heavyweight clashes, South Africa vs Australia at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg and Argentina vs New Zealand at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.

In Johannesburg, the Springboks open their title defence against a confident Wallabies side still riding high after their dramatic win over the Lions.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks travel to Argentina with a squad battered by injury, hoping to maintain their unbeaten record on Pumas soil.

From fly-half duels to battles up front, here’s a look at the key head-to-head matchups that could decide the opening weekend.

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Eben Etzebeth v Will Skelton

This is heavyweight rugby at its purest. Eben Etzebeth and Will Skelton bring an immense amount of size, power, and experience to the engine room.

At 117kg, Etzebeth is a dominant figure for the Springboks, known for his relentless work rate and controlled aggression.

But across from him stands a colossus in Skelton, tipping the scales at 145kg and looking to impose himself from the first whistle.

Skelton has had issues with conditioning in the past, often fading as games go on, but when he’s fresh, he’s a handful for any pack.

With South Africa so strong in the forwards, Skelton will need to lead from the front and stay switched on.

Siya Kolisi v Harry Wilson

There’s something intriguing about Siya Kolisi wearing the No.8 jersey, even if Rassie Erasmus insists he’ll play most of the game on the flank.

It’s his first time donning that shirt in a Test, and while he has some experience there for the Sharks, this is unfamiliar ground on the international stage.

His opposite number, Harry Wilson, is far more settled at the back of the scrum. At just 25, the Wallabies captain has already become a fixture in the role, known for his dynamism and leadership.

Kolisi, of course, brings class, experience, and game-breaking moments when it matters most. While Wilson will look to control territory and link play, Kolisi’s aim will be disruption and dominance.

Whoever gets the upper hand here could swing the breakdown battle, and possibly the game.

Manie Libbok v James O’Connor

With both Pollard and Feinberg-Mngomezulu unavailable, Libbok has a clear runway to make the fly-half shirt his own in the long run.

Opposite him stands a seasoned operator in James O’Connor, now 35 and newly signed by Leicester Tigers. O’Connor brings decades of experience and a cool head under pressure.

Libbok, on the other hand, offers flair and attacking instinct, especially if South Africa do go more expansive with their 5-3 bench split.

This clash could come down to who controls the pace of the game better.

Libbok will need to bring more than just spark; he’ll need maturity and precision.

In contrast, O’Connor’s focus will be on guiding the Wallabies with composure. A classic old head vs a player in his prime.

Pedro Rubiolo v Fabian Holland

A fascinating battle between two of the most promising young forwards in world rugby.

Fabian Holland has had a meteoric rise, with a standout performance in the All Blacks’ recent series against France earning him another start.

He’s raw but trusted by Scott Robertson. Facing him is Pedro Rubiolo, a player who, at 22, already has World Cup experience under his belt and has just made a move to Bristol Bears.

Rubiolo might be the more experienced Test player for now, but Holland’s ceiling is incredibly high.

Joaquin Oviedo v Ardie Savea

Joaquin Oviedo has his hometown crowd behind him in Cordoba, but he’ll need more than local support to stop Ardie Savea.

The All Blacks No.8 is one of the most complete players in the game, fast, powerful, tireless, and technically outstanding.

His Super Rugby season with Moana Pasifika was another reminder of just how dangerous he is with ball in hand.

Oviedo, 24, is no slouch himself. He’s a strong carrier and a determined defender, and his familiarity with the home conditions could help.

Still, facing Savea is never easy. Oviedo will have to bring intensity from the first minute and avoid being overawed by the occasion.

This is a big opportunity for him to prove he belongs at the very top level, but to do that, he’ll have to go through arguably the best in the world.

Rodrigo Isgro v Rieko Ioane

Rodrigo Isgro is quickly making a name for himself.

The Harlequins winger brought flair and unpredictability to the Premiership last season and now gets another shot to impress on the international stage.

His background in sevens shines through in his acceleration and eye for the tryline.

But lining up across from him is Rieko Ioane, who may not have hit his usual heights against France but remains a lethal finisher with serious X-factor.

Ioane has the experience and reputation, but Isgro’s energy and form could cause problems if he’s given even a sliver of space.

This is a battle of speed and attacking instinct. If both players get decent amounts of touches on the ball, expect fireworks out wide.

For Isgro, it’s a shot at a career-defining scalp. For Ioane, a chance to silence doubters.

By Charlie Elliott