Rugby’s Social Media Moments of the Week: All Blacks top The Rugby Championship after beating Springboks in Thriller

Rugby fans were treated to another action-packed week, with excitement both on and off the field sparking plenty of conversation online.

From dramatic finishes and hard-fought international battles to major tournament milestones and high-profile player moves, the game once again showed its global reach.

Social media was alive with highlights, reactions, and debate as teams continued their push for success and individual stars grabbed the spotlight.

With World Cup places secured, comeback wins celebrated, and future storylines emerging, there was no shortage of memorable moments.

Here’s a round-up of the best rugby content that captured attention across platforms over the past week.

All Blacks beat Springboks in thriller

On Saturday, New Zealand extended their formidable Eden Park record with a hard-fought 24-17 win over South Africa in a clash between the world’s top two teams.

Fired up for captain Ardie Savea’s 100th Test, the All Blacks burst out early, with Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan crossing for tries to build a 14-3 halftime lead.

Quinn Tupaea added a third in the second half, while Damian McKenzie chipped in with a penalty.

The Springboks hit back through Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach, narrowing the gap to seven, but Savea produced a decisive late turnover to seal New Zealand’s 51st consecutive victory at their Auckland fortress.

South Africa’s slow start and handling errors proved costly, leaving coach Rassie Erasmus frustrated.

The teams meet again in Wellington next weekend.

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Three teams confirm World Cup spots

Three more teams secured their places at the 2027 Rugby World Cup this weekend, two of them without taking to the field.

Canada, ranked 24th in the world, sealed qualification on Saturday after Japan‘s 47-21 victory over the United States at the Pacific Nations Cup in Sacramento.

The result ensured Canada, second in Pool B, cannot finish outside the tournament’s top four, guaranteeing them a berth in Australia.

It marks their return after missing their first World Cup in 2023.

In Pool A, Fiji’s win over Samoa confirmed Tonga’s qualification as group runners-up, booking the island nation’s ticket to the expanded 24-team event.

Uruguay also joined the party, defeating Chile on aggregate in the Sudamericana final.

Canada will now meet Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals and Tonga will face Japan.

Mark Nawaqanitawase back to union?

Mark Nawaqanitawase’s blistering rise in rugby league has reignited talk of a return to rugby union and a possible Wallabies comeback ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 24-year-old winger has been electric for the Sydney Roosters, topping the NRL try-scoring charts with 24 in as many games this season, including a hat-trick in Friday’s 36-6 win at Allianz Stadium.

His performances have him on the cusp of dual-code international status, with selection looming for the Kangaroos’ Test series against England.

Off contract at the end of 2026, Nawaqanitawase is expected to attract strong interest from Europe and Japan, but Rugby Australia will be keen to lure him back into the 15-man game in time for a home World Cup.

It comes at a good time for Rugby Australia after they announced last week that they are debt-free for the first time since the COVID pandemic, due to the British and Irish Lions generating a significant amount of money.

Christian Wade returns back to the Premiership

Newcastle Red Bulls have strengthened their rebuilding project with the signing of former England winger Christian Wade.

The 34-year-old joins the north-east club as part of Red Bull’s ambitious overhaul, following their summer takeover that cleared £39 million of debt and promised a push for silverware.

Wade, renowned for his pace and finishing, arrives after a brief stint in rugby league with Wigan Warriors, where he scored twice in just two appearances.

He had earlier returned to union with Gloucester in 2022 following his time in the NFL.

Newcastle, who finished bottom of the Gallagher Premiership in each of the past three seasons, see Wade as another statement addition under director of rugby Steve Diamond as they aim to transform into genuine contenders.

Women’s World Cup quarter-finals confirmed

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-finals have been confirmed after an intense round of pool matches across England, that concluded this past weekend.

Defending champions New Zealand, unbeaten in Pool C, will face South Africa in Exeter on Saturday, 13 September (13:00), after the Springboks finished runners-up in Pool D.

Later that day in Bristol (16:00), Pool B winners Canada take on Australia, who qualified as Pool A runners-up.

On Sunday, 14 September, Exeter hosts France against Ireland at 13:00, with France topping Pool D after three straight wins and Ireland progressing despite defeat to New Zealand.

The final quarter-final sees hosts England, fresh from a 47-7 victory over Australia, face Scotland in Bristol at 16:00.

Both matches are expected to draw huge crowds.

Australia leave it late against Argentina

Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat Argentina 28-24 in Townsville, with Angus Bell scoring a dramatic match-winning try six minutes after the 80-minute mark.

The Wallabies trailed 21-7 at half-time, as Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras crossed for the Pumas and Santiago Carreras added three penalties.

Despite Juan Cruz Mallia’s late penalty putting Argentina 24-21 ahead in the 79th minute, Australia turned down three chances to level the game with a kick and instead pushed for victory.

Joseph Sua’alii’s two second-half tries had earlier dragged the hosts back into contention before Bell powered over.

Both results now mean that the All Blacks top the table with 10 points, while the Wallabies sit in second on nine.

READ MORE: Red Roses rocked by Ellie Kildunne injury blow for Women’s World Cup quarter-final