# 2021 Rugby Championship

The 2021 Rugby Championship was the ninth series of the annual southern-hemisphere competition, involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The Springboks returned to the tournament after a year out in 2020 due to South African government travel restrictions and player welfare and safety concerns related to COVID-19. The tournament returned to its normal window of August, kicking-off on 14 August and concluding on 2 October.

## Sponsorships

The competition was operated by SANZAAR, a joint venture of the four countries' national unions, and known for sponsorship reasons as The Castle Rugby Championship in South Africa, The Fortinet Rugby Championship in New Zealand, The eToro Rugby Championship in Australia, and The Zurich Rugby Championship in Argentina.

## Travel disruptions

With continued restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the tournament was staged in Australia and New Zealand, with South Africa also hosting two games - their two matches against Argentina in the opening two rounds.
On 3 August, the original schedule was altered due to travel restrictions imposed in New Zealand, meaning the first and second tests between Australia and New Zealand (Bledisloe 2 & 3) were reversed and rearranged, and New Zealand would play at Eden Park instead of Wellington Regional Stadium. The restrictions also meant that New Zealand would not host their tests against Argentina, and were eventually played in Australia.
On 24 August, it was announced that all games in Rounds 3–6 would be hosted in Queensland, Australia. This came after COVID restrictions in New Zealand meant South Africa (and Argentina who were already set to play the All Blacks at a neutral venue) were unable to travel to New Zealand. In addition, due to the uncertainty over the original scheduled for the Championship, the All Blacks also delayed their travel to Australia for their round 2 clash in Perth.

## New laws trialed

The 2021 Rugby Championship became the first international competition to include the new World Rugby global rugby laws trials, designed to support the priority mission of head impact reduction and potential welfare advancements across the game. For some of the law adaptions, they had previously been trialed at Super Rugby level in Australia and New Zealand; the goal-line drop out and the 50:22, whilst the others are new to help reduce injury risk at the breakdown. In addition, outside the World Rugby global law trials, this years Rugby Championship will also trial a 20-minute red card which like the goal-line drop out and 50:22, had been used in Australia and New Zealand respective Super Rugby tournaments. The championship was won by New Zealand after the 19-17 win against South Africa on 25 September.

## Table

| Place | Nation | Games | Games | Games | Games | Points | Points | Points | Try bonus | Losing bonus | Table points |
| Place | Nation | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Try bonus | Losing bonus | Table points |
| 1 | New Zealand | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 218 | 104 | +114 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
| 2 | Australia | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 160 | 163 | –3 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| 3 | South Africa | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 152 | 128 | +24 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| 4 | Argentina | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 60 | 195 | –135 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

## Fixtures
### Round 1

* 14 August 2021 19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
| (1 BP) New Zealand | 57–22 | Australia |
| Try: Ioane 3' c Retallick 23' c Savea 32' c Taylor (2) 46' c, 59' m Reece 53' c Jordan 64' c Havili 80+2' c Con: Mo'unga (5/6) 5', 24', 34', 47', 54' B. Barrett (2/2) 65', 80+3' Pen: McKenzie (1/1) 52' | Report | Try: Kellaway (2) 7' m, 68' c McDermott 39' c Con: Lolesio (2/3) 69', 40' Pen: Lolesio (1/1) 30' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 25,121 Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
| FB | 15 | Damian McKenzie | | 56' |
| RW | 14 | Will Jordan |
| OC | 13 | Rieko Ioane |
| IC | 12 | David Havili |
| LW | 11 | Sevu Reece |
| FH | 10 | Richie Mo'unga | | 63' |
| SH | 9 | Aaron Smith | | 67' |
| N8 | 8 | Ardie Savea | 41' to 51' | 70' |
| OF | 7 | Dalton Papalii |
| BF | 6 | Akira Ioane |
| RL | 5 | Sam Whitelock (c) |
| LL | 4 | Brodie Retallick | | 61' |
| TP | 3 | Nepo Laulala | | 61' |
| HK | 2 | Codie Taylor | | 61' |
| LP | 1 | George Bower | | 52' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | | 61' |
| PR | 17 | Karl Tu'inukuafe | | 52' |
| PR | 18 | Angus Ta'avao | | 61' |
| LK | 19 | Scott Barrett | | 61' |
| FL | 20 | Luke Jacobson | | 70' |
| SH | 21 | TJ Perenara | | 67' |
| FH | 22 | Beauden Barrett | | 63' |
| FB | 23 | Jordie Barrett | | 56' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
| FB | 15 | Tom Banks |
| RW | 14 | Andrew Kellaway |
| OC | 13 | Hunter Paisami | 65' |
| IC | 12 | Matt To'omua |
| LW | 11 | Marika Koroibete | 67' |
| FH | 10 | Noah Lolesio |
| SH | 9 | Tate McDermott | 65' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini |
| OF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) |
| BF | 6 | Lachlan Swinton | 61' |
| RL | 5 | Matt Philip |
| LL | 4 | Darcy Swain | 49' |
| TP | 3 | Allan Alaalatoa | 52' |
| HK | 2 | Brandon Paenga-Amosa | 57' |
| LP | 1 | James Slipper | 48' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Jordan Uelese | 57' |
| PR | 17 | Scott Sio | 48' |
| PR | 18 | Taniela Tupou | 52' |
| LK | 19 | Lukhan Salakaia-Loto | 49' |
| N8 | 20 | Harry Wilson | 61' |
| SH | 21 | Nic White | 65' |
| CE | 22 | Len Ikitau | 65' |
| CE | 23 | Reece Hodge | 67' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
* Assistant referees:
* Paul Williams (New Zealand)
* Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
* Television match official:
* Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Notes:
* New Zealand score their most points against Australia - previously 54 set in 2017.
* New Zealand retain the Bledisloe Cup.
* 14 August 2021 17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
| (1 BP) South Africa | 32–12 | Argentina |
| Try: Reinach 14' c Fassi 18' m Hendrikse 78' m Con: E. Jantjies (1/2) 15' Pen: E. Jantjies (5/5) 2', 23', 37', 47', 58' | Report | Pen: Sánchez (4/4) 17', 35', 40', 43' |
* Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Attendance: 0 Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
| FB | 15 | Damian Willemse |
| RW | 14 | Sbu Nkosi |
| OC | 13 | Jesse Kriel |
| IC | 12 | François Steyn |
| LW | 11 | Aphelele Fassi |
| FH | 10 | Elton Jantjies | 72' |
| SH | 9 | Cobus Reinach | 72' |
| N8 | 8 | Jasper Wiese | 62' |
| BF | 7 | Kwagga Smith |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | 53' |
| RL | 5 | Lood de Jager |
| LL | 4 | Eben Etzebeth | 67' |
| TP | 3 | Wilco Louw | 44' |
| HK | 2 | Joseph Dweba | 44' |
| LP | 1 | Ox Nché | 51' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Malcolm Marx | 44' |
| PR | 17 | Trevor Nyakane | 51' |
| PR | 18 | Vincent Koch | 44' |
| LK | 19 | Marvin Orie | 67' |
| FL | 20 | Marco van Staden | 53' |
| FL | 21 | Dan du Preez | 62' |
| SH | 22 | Jaden Hendrikse | 72' |
| FH | 23 | Morné Steyn | 72' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
| FB | 15 | Santiago Carreras |
| RW | 14 | Bautista Delguy |
| OC | 13 | Santiago Chocobares |
| IC | 12 | Jerónimo de la Fuente | 53' |
| LW | 11 | Matías Moroni |
| FH | 10 | Nicolás Sánchez | 66' |
| SH | 9 | Felipe Ezcurra | 53' |
| N8 | 8 | Rodrigo Bruni |
| OF | 7 | Facundo Isa | 58' |
| BF | 6 | Pablo Matera |
| RL | 5 | Marcos Kremer | 51' |
| LL | 4 | Guido Petti |
| TP | 3 | Francisco Gomez Kodela | 58' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) | 72' |
| LP | 1 | Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro | 58' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Facundo Bosch | 72' |
| PR | 17 | Carlos Muzzio | 58' |
| PR | 18 | Santiago Medrano | 58' |
| LK | 19 | Tomas Lavanini | 51' |
| LK | 20 | Matias Alemanno | 58' |
| SH | 21 | Gonzalo Bertranou | 53' |
| FH | 22 | Domingo Miotti | 66' |
| WG | 23 | Sebastián Cancelliere | 53' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
* Assistant referees:
* Karl Dickson (England)
* AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
* Television match official:
* Tom Foley (England)
Notes:
* Herschel Jantjies (South Africa) had been named on the bench but withdrew ahead of the game due to injury and was replaced by Jaden Hendrikse.
* Joseph Dweba and Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa) and Carlos Muzzio (Argentina) made their International debuts.

### Round 2

* 21 August 2021 17:05 SAST (UTC+02)
| Argentina | 10–29 | South Africa |
| Try: Matera 80+5' c Con: Sanchez (1/1) 80+5' Pen: Miotti (1/3) 24' | Report | Try: Mapimpi 45' c Marx 51' c Con: Pollard (2/2) 46', 52' Pen: Pollard (5/5) 10', 17', 22', 29', 32' |
* Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Attendance: 0 Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
| FB | 15 | Juan Cruz Mallía |
| RW | 14 | Ignacio Mendy |
| OC | 13 | Santiago Chocobares |
| IC | 12 | Jerónimo de la Fuente | | 56' |
| LW | 11 | Santiago Carreras |
| FH | 10 | Domingo Miotti | | 59' |
| SH | 9 | Gonzalo Bertranou | | 77' |
| N8 | 8 | Rodrigo Bruni | 31' to 41' | 48' |
| OF | 7 | Guido Petti | | 65' |
| BF | 6 | Pablo Matera |
| RL | 5 | Tomás Lavanini | 80' |
| LL | 4 | Matías Alemanno |
| TP | 3 | Francisco Gomez Kodela | | 53' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) | | 72' |
| LP | 1 | Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro | | 53' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Facundo Bosch | | 72' |
| PR | 17 | Facundo Gigena | | 53' |
| PR | 18 | Santiago Medrano | | 53' |
| LK | 19 | Marcos Kremer | | 49' |
| FL | 20 | Juan Martín González | | 65' |
| SH | 21 | Felipe Ezcurra | | 77' |
| FH | 22 | Nicolás Sánchez | | 59' |
| CE | 23 | Lucio Cinti | | 56' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
| FB | 15 | Willie le Roux | 65' |
| RW | 14 | Cheslin Kolbe |
| OC | 13 | Lukhanyo Am |
| IC | 12 | Damian de Allende |
| LW | 11 | Makazole Mapimpi |
| FH | 10 | Handré Pollard |
| SH | 9 | Cobus Reinach | 65' |
| N8 | 8 | Jasper Wiese | 50' |
| BF | 7 | Franco Mostert |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) |
| RL | 5 | Lood de Jager | 62' |
| LL | 4 | Marvin Orie | 50' |
| TP | 3 | Thomas du Toit | 53' |
| HK | 2 | Malcolm Marx | 53' |
| LP | 1 | Trevor Nyakane | 12' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Bongi Mbonambi | 53' |
| PR | 17 | Steven Kitshoff | 12' |
| PR | 18 | Frans Malherbe | 53' |
| LK | 19 | Nico Janse van Rensburg | 50' |
| FL | 20 | Kwagga Smith | 62' |
| FL | 21 | Dan du Preez | 50' |
| SH | 22 | Jaden Hendrikse | 65' | 73' |
| FH | 23 | Damian Willemse | 65' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
* Assistant referees:
* Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
* AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
* Television match official:
* Tom Foley (England)
Notes:
* Lucio Cinti and Ignacio Mendy and Nico Janse van Rensburg (South Africa) made their international debuts.
* Lood de Jager (South Africa) earned his 50th test cap.
* No replacement was issued for Jaden Hendrikse.
* 5 September 2021 14:00 AWST (UTC+08)
| Australia | 21–38 | New Zealand (1 BP) |
| Try: Fainga'a 49' c White 65' c Banks 78' c Con: Lolesio (1/1) 50' Hodge (2/2) 66', 79' | Report | Try: J. Barrett 16' c Havili (2) 39' m, 60' m Jordan 54' m Lienert-Brown 68' m Bridge 71' m Con: B. Barrett (1/4) 17' Pen: B. Barrett (2/2) 8', 14' |
* Perth Stadium, Perth Attendance: 52,724 Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
| FB | 15 | Tom Banks |
| RW | 14 | Andrew Kellaway |
| OC | 13 | Len Ikitau | 64' |
| IC | 12 | Samu Kerevi |
| LW | 11 | Marika Koroibete |
| FH | 10 | Noah Lolesio | 62' |
| SH | 9 | Tate McDermott | 64' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini |
| OF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) | 22' | 31' | 64' to 66' | 64' to 66' |
| BF | 6 | Lachlan Swinton | | | | 66' |
| RL | 5 | Matt Philip | 64' |
| LL | 4 | Darcy Swain |
| TP | 3 | Allan Alaalatoa | 56' |
| HK | 2 | Folau Fainga'a | 64' |
| LP | 1 | James Slipper | 56' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Lachlan Lonergan | 64' |
| PR | 17 | Angus Bell | 56' |
| PR | 18 | Taniela Tupou | 56' |
| LK | 19 | Izack Rodda | 64' |
| FL | 20 | Pete Samu | 22' | 31' | 64' |
| SH | 21 | Nic White | 64' |
| CE | 22 | Reece Hodge | 62' |
| CE | 23 | Jordan Petaia | 64' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
| FB | 15 | Jordie Barrett | 47' |
| RW | 14 | Will Jordan | 69' |
| OC | 13 | Anton Lienert-Brown |
| IC | 12 | David Havili |
| LW | 11 | Rieko Ioane |
| FH | 10 | Beauden Barrett |
| SH | 9 | Brad Weber | 54' |
| N8 | 8 | Ardie Savea (c) | 37' |
| OF | 7 | Dalton Papalii | 62' |
| BF | 6 | Akira Ioane |
| RL | 5 | Scott Barrett |
| LL | 4 | Brodie Retallick |
| TP | 3 | Nepo Laulala | 56' |
| HK | 2 | Codie Taylor | 36' |
| LP | 1 | George Bower | 56' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | 36' |
| PR | 17 | Karl Tu'inukuafe | 56' |
| PR | 18 | Angus Ta'avao | 56' |
| LK | 19 | Tupou Vaa'i | 62' |
| FL | 20 | Ethan Blackadder | 37' |
| SH | 21 | TJ Perenara | 54' |
| FB | 22 | Damian McKenzie | 47' |
| WG | 23 | George Bridge | 69' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
* Assistant referees:
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Graham Cooper (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Brett Cronan (Australia)
Notes:
* Samu Kerevi (Australia) became the first Australian player to play for the Wallabies after an amendment of the Giteau's law that allowed three players with less than the limit of 60 test caps to be picked.
* Jordie Barrett (New Zealand) became the first player at international level to receive a 20-minute red card.
* This was New Zealand's first ever match victory and their first ever win over Australia in Perth.
* This was Australia's first defeat in Perth since 2009 when they lost to South Africa 25–32 in the 2009 Tri Nations at Subiaco Oval.

### Round 3

* 12 September 2021 17:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| (1 BP) New Zealand | 39–0 | Argentina |
| Try: R. Ioane 9' c Reece 36' m Papalii 40+2' c Jacobson (2) 45' c, 69' c Con: B. Barrett (1/2) 10' J. Barrett (3/3) 40+4', 47', 69' Pen: B. Barrett (1/1) 33' J. Barrett (1/1) 77' | Report | |
* Robina Stadium, Gold Coast Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
| FB | 15 | Jordie Barrett |
| RW | 14 | Sevu Reece |
| OC | 13 | Rieko Ioane |
| IC | 12 | David Havili | 49' |
| LW | 11 | George Bridge |
| FH | 10 | Beauden Barrett | 49' |
| SH | 9 | TJ Perenara | 60' |
| N8 | 8 | Luke Jacobson |
| OF | 7 | Dalton Papalii |
| BF | 6 | Akira Ioane | 64' |
| RL | 5 | Scott Barrett | 57' |
| LL | 4 | Brodie Retallick (c) |
| TP | 3 | Nepo Laulala | 49' |
| HK | 2 | Asafo Aumua | 43' |
| LP | 1 | Karl Tu'inukuafe | 2' | 11' | 49' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | 43' |
| PR | 17 | Joe Moody | 2' | 11' | 49' |
| PR | 18 | Tyrel Lomax | 49' |
| LK | 19 | Tupou Vaa'i | 57' |
| FL | 20 | Ethan Blackadder | 64' |
| SH | 21 | Brad Weber | 60' |
| FB | 22 | Damian McKenzie | 49' |
| CE | 23 | Quinn Tupaea | 49' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
| FB | 15 | Juan Cruz Mallía |
| RW | 14 | Bautista Delguy |
| OC | 13 | Matías Moroni | | 50' |
| IC | 12 | Jerónimo de la Fuente | | 62' |
| LW | 11 | Santiago Cordero |
| FH | 10 | Nicolás Sánchez | | 35' to 38' | 35' to 38' | 52' |
| SH | 9 | Gonzalo Bertranou |
| N8 | 8 | Rodrigo Bruni | | 52' |
| OF | 7 | Marcos Kremer |
| BF | 6 | Pablo Matera | 40' to 50' |
| RL | 5 | Matías Alemanno |
| LL | 4 | Guido Petti | | 49' |
| TP | 3 | Santiago Medrano | | 57' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) | | 60' |
| LP | 1 | Facundo Gigena | | 57' | 66' | 77' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Facundo Bosch | | 60' |
| PR | 17 | Carlos Muzzio | 66' to 76' | 57' |
| PR | 18 | Enrique Pieretto | | 57' |
| LK | 19 | Tomás Lavanini | | 49' |
| FL | 20 | Juan Martín González | | 52' | 66' | 77' |
| SH | 21 | Gonzalo García | | 62' |
| CE | 22 | Santiago Chocobares | | 50' |
| FB | 23 | Emiliano Boffelli | | 35' | 38' | 52' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
* Assistant referees:
* Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
* Graham Cooper (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Brett Cronan (Australia)
Notes:
* Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand) was named to start but withdrew ahead of kick off and was replaced by Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea replaced Ioane on the bench.
* Gonzalo García (Argentina) made his international debut.
* Nicolás Sánchez became Argentina's most capped player with 90, surpassing Agustín Creevy's record of 89 caps.
* This was New Zealand's first win in Queensland since 2014 when they beat Australia 29–28 in the 2014 third Bledisloe Cup match at Brisbane's Lang Park.
* 12 September 2021 20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| (1 BP) South Africa | 26–28 | Australia |
| Try: Mbonambi 27' m Marx (2) 58' c, 71' m Con: Pollard (1/2) 59' Pen: Pollard (3/5) 5', 11', 45' | Report | Try: Kellaway 16' c Con: Cooper (1/1) 17' Pen: Cooper (7/7) 7', 13', 32', 40', 52', 62', 80+1' |
* Robina Stadium, Gold Coast Attendance: 15,191 Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
| FB | 15 | Willie le Roux | 51' to 61' |
| RW | 14 | Sbu Nkosi |
| OC | 13 | Lukhanyo Am |
| IC | 12 | Damian de Allende |
| LW | 11 | Makazole Mapimpi |
| FH | 10 | Handré Pollard | | 65' |
| SH | 9 | Faf de Klerk | | 76' |
| N8 | 8 | Duane Vermeulen | | 52' |
| BF | 7 | Franco Mostert |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | 15' to 25' | 54' |
| RL | 5 | Lood de Jager | | | 68' |
| LL | 4 | Eben Etzebeth | | 52' | 68' |
| TP | 3 | Frans Malherbe | | 52' |
| HK | 2 | Bongi Mbonambi | | 46' |
| LP | 1 | Steven Kitshoff | | 56' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Malcolm Marx | | 56' |
| PR | 17 | Ox Nché | | 56' |
| PR | 18 | Vincent Koch | | 52' |
| FL | 19 | Marco van Staden | | 54' |
| FL | 20 | Kwagga Smith | | 52' |
| N8 | 21 | Jasper Wiese | | 52' |
| SH | 22 | Herschel Jantjies | | 76' |
| FH | 23 | Damian Willemse | | 65' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
| FB | 15 | Tom Banks | | 73' |
| RW | 14 | Andrew Kellaway | | 62' |
| OC | 13 | Len Ikitau |
| IC | 12 | Samu Kerevi |
| LW | 11 | Marika Koroibete |
| FH | 10 | Quade Cooper |
| SH | 9 | Tate McDermott | | 40' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini | | 63' | 68' |
| OF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) |
| BF | 6 | Lachlan Swinton | | 59' |
| RL | 5 | Matt Philip | 26' to 36' |
| LL | 4 | Izack Rodda | | 73' |
| TP | 3 | Allan Alaalatoa | | 55' |
| HK | 2 | Folau Fainga'a | 57' to 67' | | 68' |
| LP | 1 | Angus Bell | | 47' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Feleti Kaitu'u | | 63' |
| PR | 17 | James Slipper | | 47' |
| PR | 18 | Taniela Tupou | | 55' |
| LK | 19 | Rob Leota | | 73' |
| FL | 20 | Pete Samu | | 59' |
| SH | 21 | Nic White | | 40' |
| CE | 22 | Reece Hodge | | 73' |
| CE | 23 | Jordan Petaia | | 62' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
* Player of the Match
* Samu Kerevi (Australia)
* Assistant referees:
* Damon Murphy (Australia)
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Matthew Carley (England)
Notes:
* Allan Alaalatoa and Reece Hodge (both Australia) earned their 50th test caps.
* Feleti Kaitu'u and Rob Leota (both Australia) made their international debuts.

### Round 4

* 18 September 2021 17:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| (1 BP) Australia | 30–17 | South Africa |
| Try: Ikitau (2) 13' m, 20' c Koroibete (2) 61' c, 67' m Con: Cooper (2/4) 22', 63' Pen: Cooper (2/2) 28', 50' | Report | Try: Am 41' m Pen: Pollard (4/4) 17', 26', 31', 37' |
* Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 40,000 Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
| FB | 15 | Tom Banks | | 27' |
| RW | 14 | Andrew Kellaway |
| OC | 13 | Len Ikitau |
| IC | 12 | Samu Kerevi |
| LW | 11 | Marika Koroibete | | 71' |
| FH | 10 | Quade Cooper |
| SH | 9 | Nic White | | 59' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini |
| BF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) |
| OF | 6 | Lachlan Swinton | 32' to 42' | 48' |
| RL | 5 | Matt Philip |
| LL | 4 | Izack Rodda | | 63' |
| TP | 3 | Taniela Tupou | | 77' |
| HK | 2 | Folau Fainga'a | | 54' |
| LP | 1 | James Slipper | | 54' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Feleti Kaitu'u | | 54' |
| PR | 17 | Angus Bell | | 54' |
| PR | 18 | Tom Robertson | | 77' |
| LK | 19 | Darcy Swain | | 63' |
| FL | 20 | Pete Samu | | 48' |
| SH | 21 | Tate McDermott | | 59' |
| CE | 22 | Reece Hodge | | 27' |
| CE | 23 | Jordan Petaia | | 71' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
| FB | 15 | Willie le Roux | | 78' |
| RW | 14 | Sbu Nkosi |
| OC | 13 | Lukhanyo Am |
| IC | 12 | Damian de Allende |
| LW | 11 | Makazole Mapimpi |
| FH | 10 | Handré Pollard |
| SH | 9 | Faf de Klerk | 12' to 22' | 63' |
| N8 | 8 | Duane Vermeulen | | 32' | 40' | 68' |
| BF | 7 | Franco Mostert |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | | 68' |
| RL | 5 | Marvin Orie | | 46' |
| LL | 4 | Eben Etzebeth |
| TP | 3 | Frans Malherbe | | 46' |
| HK | 2 | Bongi Mbonambi | | 46' |
| LP | 1 | Trevor Nyakane | | 24' | 32' | 46' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Malcolm Marx | | 46' |
| PR | 17 | Steven Kitshoff | | 24' | 32' | 46' |
| PR | 18 | Vincent Koch | | 46' |
| FL | 19 | Marco van Staden | | 68' |
| FL | 20 | Kwagga Smith | | 46' |
| N8 | 21 | Jasper Wiese | 78' | 32' | 40' | 68' |
| SH | 22 | Herschel Jantjies | | 63' |
| FH | 23 | Damian Willemse | | 78' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
* Player of the Match
* Samu Kerevi (Australia)
* Assistant referees:
* Luke Pearce (England)
* Graham Cooper (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Brett Cronan (Australia)
Notes:
* Michael Hooper captained the Wallabies for a record breaking 60th time, surpassing the previous record of 59 set by George Gregan.
* Australia win back-to-back matches against South Africa for the first time since their 2015/2016 victories.
* Australia reclaim the Mandela Challenge Plate.
* 18 September 2021 20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| Argentina | 13–36 | New Zealand (1 BP) |
| Try: Boffelli 52' c Con: Boffelli (1/1) 53' Pen: Boffelli (2/2) 8', 44' | Report | Try: Tuipulotu 5' c Perenara 26' c Vaa'i (2) 40' c, 78' c Taukei'aho 46' m Con: J. Barrett (4/5) 6', 28', 40', 78' Pen: J. Barrett (1/1) 13' |
* Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 38,215 Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
| FB | 15 | Juan Cruz Mallía |
| RW | 14 | Santiago Cordero | 66' |
| OC | 13 | Lucio Cinti | 75' |
| IC | 12 | Santiago Chocobares |
| LW | 11 | Emiliano Boffelli |
| FH | 10 | Santiago Carreras |
| SH | 9 | Gonzalo Bertranou | 56' |
| N8 | 8 | Pablo Matera | 61' |
| OF | 7 | Marcos Kremer |
| BF | 6 | Juan Martín González |
| RL | 5 | Tomás Lavanini |
| LL | 4 | Matías Alemanno | 51' |
| TP | 3 | Santiago Medrano | 48' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) | 61' |
| LP | 1 | Facundo Gigena | 48' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Santiago Socino | 61' |
| PR | 17 | Carlos Muzzio | 48' |
| PR | 18 | Enrique Pieretto | 48' |
| LK | 19 | Guido Petti | 51' |
| FL | 20 | Tomás Lezana | 61' |
| SH | 21 | Gonzalo García | 56' |
| FH | 22 | Domingo Miotti | 75' |
| CE | 23 | Matías Moroni | 66' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
| FB | 15 | Jordie Barrett |
| RW | 14 | Will Jordan |
| OC | 13 | Rieko Ioane | 55' |
| IC | 12 | Quinn Tupaea |
| LW | 11 | George Bridge |
| FH | 10 | Damian McKenzie | 66' |
| SH | 9 | TJ Perenara | 48' |
| N8 | 8 | Hoskins Sotutu | 66' |
| OF | 7 | Ardie Savea (c) |
| BF | 6 | Ethan Blackadder |
| RL | 5 | Tupou Vaa'i |
| LL | 4 | Patrick Tuipulotu | 68' |
| TP | 3 | Tyrel Lomax | 53' |
| HK | 2 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | 48' |
| LP | 1 | Joe Moody | 48' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Codie Taylor | 48' |
| PR | 17 | George Bower | 48' |
| PR | 18 | Ofa Tu'ungafasi | 53' |
| LK | 19 | Scott Barrett | 68' |
| N8 | 20 | Luke Jacobson | 66' |
| SH | 21 | Finlay Christie | 48' |
| FH | 22 | Beauden Barrett | 66' |
| CE | 23 | Braydon Ennor | 55' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
* Assistant referees:
* Nic Berry (Australia)
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Damon Murphy (Australia)
Notes:
* This was New Zealand's first win at Lang Park since 2014, when they beat Australia 29–28 in the third Bledisloe Cup match.
* New Zealand reclaimed the No.1 World Rugby Ranking.

### Round 5

* 25 September 2021 17:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| New Zealand | 19–17 | South Africa (1 BP) |
| Try: Jordan 3' c Con: J. Barrett (1/1) 4' Pen: J. Barrett (4/4) 31', 36', 61', 78' | Report | Try: Nkosi 6' m Pen: Pollard (4/4) 11', 14', 58', 67' |
* North Queensland Stadium, Townsville Attendance: 25,000 Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
| FB | 15 | Jordie Barrett |
| RW | 14 | Will Jordan | 57' |
| OC | 13 | Rieko Ioane |
| IC | 12 | David Havili |
| LW | 11 | George Bridge | 70' |
| FH | 10 | Beauden Barrett |
| SH | 9 | TJ Perenara | 64' |
| N8 | 8 | Ardie Savea (c) |
| OF | 7 | Ethan Blackadder |
| BF | 6 | Akira Ioane | 69' |
| RL | 5 | Scott Barrett | 67' |
| LL | 4 | Brodie Retallick |
| TP | 3 | Nepo Laulala | 57' |
| HK | 2 | Codie Taylor | 63' |
| LP | 1 | Joe Moody | 57' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | 63' |
| PR | 17 | Karl Tu'inukuafe | 57' |
| PR | 18 | Ofa Tu'ungafasi | 57' |
| LK | 19 | Patrick Tuipulotu | 67' |
| FL | 20 | Hoskins Sotutu | 69' |
| SH | 21 | Brad Weber | 64' |
| FB | 22 | Damian McKenzie | 57' |
| CE | 23 | Quinn Tupaea | 70' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
| FB | 15 | Willie le Roux |
| RW | 14 | Sbu Nkosi | 34' to 44' |
| OC | 13 | Lukhanyo Am |
| IC | 12 | Damian de Allende | | 68' |
| LW | 11 | Makazole Mapimpi |
| FH | 10 | Handré Pollard |
| SH | 9 | Faf de Klerk | | 75' |
| N8 | 8 | Duane Vermeulen |
| BF | 7 | Kwagga Smith | | 63' |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) |
| RL | 5 | Lood de Jager |
| LL | 4 | Eben Etzebeth | | 54' |
| TP | 3 | Frans Malherbe | | 63' |
| HK | 2 | Bongi Mbonambi | | 40' |
| LP | 1 | Trevor Nyakane | | 40' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Malcolm Marx | | 40' |
| PR | 17 | Steven Kitshoff | | 40' |
| PR | 18 | Vincent Koch | | 63' |
| LK | 19 | Franco Mostert | | 54' |
| FL | 20 | Marco van Staden | | 63' |
| SH | 21 | Herschel Jantjies | | 75' |
| FH | 22 | Elton Jantjies |
| CE | 23 | Frans Steyn | | 68' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
* Assistant referees:
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Reuben Keane (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Damon Murphy (Australia)
Notes:
* Luke Jacobson was named to start but withdrew ahead of kick-off with Ethan Blackadder replacing him in the starting XV. Hoskins Sotutu replaced Blackadder on the bench.
* Trevor Nyakane (South Africa) earned his 50th test cap.
* This was the 100th meeting between these two nations.
* New Zealand retain the Freedom Cup.
* 25 September 2021 20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| Australia | 27–8 | Argentina |
| Try: Hodge 5' c Kerevi 19' c Kellaway 69' c Con: Cooper (2/2) 7', 19' O'Connor (1/1) 71' Pen: Cooper (1/1) 32' O'Connor (1/1) 60' | Report | Try: Montoya 43' m Pen: Boffelli (1/3) 21' |
* North Queensland Stadium, Townsville Attendance: 23,184 Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
| FB | 15 | Reece Hodge | 73' |
| RW | 14 | Andrew Kellaway |
| OC | 13 | Len Ikitau |
| IC | 12 | Samu Kerevi |
| LW | 11 | Marika Koroibete |
| FH | 10 | Quade Cooper | 57' |
| SH | 9 | Nic White | 57' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini |
| BF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) |
| OF | 6 | Rob Leota | 52' |
| RL | 5 | Matt Philip | 61' |
| LL | 4 | Izack Rodda |
| TP | 3 | Taniela Tupou | 67' |
| HK | 2 | Folau Fainga'a | 71' |
| LP | 1 | James Slipper | 52' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Feleti Kaitu'u | 71' |
| PR | 17 | Angus Bell | 52' |
| PR | 18 | Tom Robertson | 67' |
| LK | 19 | Darcy Swain | 61' |
| FL | 20 | Pete Samu | 52' |
| SH | 21 | Tate McDermott | 57' |
| FH | 22 | James O'Connor | 57' |
| CE | 23 | Jordan Petaia | 73' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
| FB | 15 | Juan Cruz Mallía | | 73' |
| RW | 14 | Santiago Cordero | | 52' |
| OC | 13 | Lucio Cinti |
| IC | 12 | Santiago Chocobares |
| LW | 11 | Emiliano Boffelli |
| FH | 10 | Santiago Carreras |
| SH | 9 | Gonzalo Bertranou |
| N8 | 8 | Pablo Matera |
| OF | 7 | Marcos Kremer | 56' to 66' | 67' |
| BF | 6 | Juan Martín González |
| RL | 5 | Tomás Lavanini |
| LL | 4 | Matías Alemanno | | 47' |
| TP | 3 | Santiago Medrano | | 71' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) | | 73' |
| LP | 1 | Facundo Gigena | | 39' 40' 61' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Santiago Socino | | 73' |
| PR | 17 | Rodrigo Martínez | | 39' 40' 61' |
| PR | 18 | Enrique Pieretto | | 71' |
| LK | 19 | Guido Petti | | 47' |
| N8 | 20 | Joaquín Oviedo | | 67' |
| SH | 21 | Gonzalo García |
| FH | 22 | Domingo Miotti | | 73' |
| WG | 23 | Mateo Carreras | | 52' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
* Player of the Match:
* Samu Kerevi (Australia)
* Assistant referees:
* Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
* Nic Berry (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Brett Cronan (Australia)
Notes:
* Mateo Carreras, Rodrigo Martínez and Joaquín Oviedo (all Argentina) made their international debuts.
* Australia retain the Puma Trophy.

### Round 6

* 2 October 2021 17:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| Argentina | 17–32 | Australia (1 BP) |
| Try: Gallo (2) 62' c, 71' c Con: Boffelli (2/2) 62', 71' Pen: Boffelli (1/1) 40+2' | Report | Try: Fainga'a 26' m Kellaway (3) 33' c, 53' c, 57' m Kerevi 42' m Con: Cooper (2/5) 34', 55' Pen: Cooper (1/1) 10' |
* Robina Stadium, Gold Coast Attendance: 20,441 Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
| FB | 15 | Juan Cruz Mallía |
| RW | 14 | Matías Moroni |
| OC | 13 | Lucio Cinti | | 63' |
| IC | 12 | Santiago Chocobares |
| LW | 11 | Emiliano Boffelli |
| FH | 10 | Santiago Carreras |
| SH | 9 | Gonzalo Bertranou | | 60' |
| N8 | 8 | Rodrigo Bruni | | 59' |
| OF | 7 | Marcos Kremer | | 61' | | 75' |
| BF | 6 | Juan Martín González | | | 75' |
| RL | 5 | Tomás Lavanini | 26' to 36' |
| LL | 4 | Guido Petti |
| TP | 3 | Enrique Pieretto | | 51' |
| HK | 2 | Julián Montoya (c) |
| LP | 1 | Rodrigo Martínez | | 51' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Facundo Bosch |
| PR | 17 | Thomas Gallo | | 51' |
| PR | 18 | Eduardo Bello | | 51' |
| LK | 19 | Matías Alemanno | | 61' |
| FL | 20 | Francisco Gorrissen | | 59' |
| SH | 21 | Gonzalo García | | 60' |
| FH | 22 | Domingo Miotti |
| WG | 23 | Mateo Carreras | | 63' |
| Coach: ||
| Mario Ledesma ||
| FB | 15 | Reece Hodge |
| RW | 14 | Jordan Petaia | | 67' |
| OC | 13 | Len Ikitau |
| IC | 12 | Samu Kerevi | | 51' |
| LW | 11 | Andrew Kellaway |
| FH | 10 | Quade Cooper | | 59' |
| SH | 9 | Nic White | | 59' |
| N8 | 8 | Rob Valetini |
| BF | 7 | Michael Hooper (c) | 80+1' |
| OF | 6 | Pete Samu | | 55' |
| RL | 5 | Darcy Swain | | | 77' |
| LL | 4 | Izack Rodda | | 49' | 77' |
| TP | 3 | Taniela Tupou | | 62' |
| HK | 2 | Folau Fainga'a |
| LP | 1 | James Slipper | | 49' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Lachlan Lonergan | | 67' |
| PR | 17 | Angus Bell | | 49' |
| PR | 18 | Greg Holmes | | 62' |
| LK | 19 | Matt Philip | | 49' |
| FL | 20 | Sean McMahon | | 55' |
| SH | 21 | Jake Gordon | | 59' |
| FH | 22 | James O'Connor | | 59' |
| WG | 23 | Tom Wright | | 51' |
| Coach: ||
| Dave Rennie ||
* Assistant referees:
* Nic Berry (Australia)
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Television match official:
* James Leckie (Australia)
Notes:
* Eduardo Bello and Thomas Gallo (Argentina) both made their international debuts.
* Greg Holmes becomes the oldest player to represent the Wallabies at the age of 38 years and 113 days surpassing Tony Miller's record by one day.
* Australia win four matches in the Rugby Championship for the first time, while also winning four consecutive test matches (in any competition) for the first time since 2017.
* 2 October 2021 20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
| South Africa | 31–29 | New Zealand (1 BP) |
| Try: De Allende 5' m Mapimpi 51' m Pen: Pollard (4/5) 11', 23', 40', 44' E. Jantjies (2/2) 57', 80+2' Drop: E. Jantjies (1/1) 76' | Report | Try: Reece 12' m Savea 27' c Weber 32' m Con: J. Barrett (1/3) 28' Pen: J. Barrett (4/4) 8', 66', 75', 78' |
* Robina Stadium, Gold Coast Attendance: 20,441 Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
| FB | 15 | Willie le Roux | 40' |
| RW | 14 | Sbu Nkosi | 47' |
| OC | 13 | Lukhanyo Am |
| IC | 12 | Damian de Allende |
| LW | 11 | Makazole Mapimpi |
| FH | 10 | Handré Pollard |
| SH | 9 | Faf de Klerk | 65' |
| N8 | 8 | Duane Vermeulen |
| BF | 7 | Kwagga Smith |
| OF | 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | 55' |
| RL | 5 | Lood de Jager | 50' | 73' |
| LL | 4 | Eben Etzebeth | | 73' |
| TP | 3 | Trevor Nyakane | 38' |
| HK | 2 | Bongi Mbonambi | 38' |
| LP | 1 | Ox Nché | 38' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Malcolm Marx | 38' |
| PR | 17 | Steven Kitshoff | 38' |
| PR | 18 | Vincent Koch | 38' |
| LK | 19 | Franco Mostert | 50' |
| N8 | 20 | Jasper Wiese | 55' |
| SH | 21 | Herschel Jantjies | 65' |
| FH | 22 | Elton Jantjies | 47' |
| CE | 23 | Frans Steyn | 40' |
| Coach: ||
| Jacques Nienaber ||
| FB | 15 | Jordie Barrett |
| RW | 14 | Sevu Reece |
| OC | 13 | Anton Lienert-Brown |
| IC | 12 | David Havili | 65' |
| LW | 11 | Rieko Ioane |
| FH | 10 | Beauden Barrett | 65' |
| SH | 9 | Brad Weber | 57' |
| N8 | 8 | Luke Jacobson | 49' |
| OF | 7 | Ardie Savea (c) |
| BF | 6 | Akira Ioane |
| RL | 5 | Scott Barrett | 40' |
| LL | 4 | Brodie Retallick |
| TP | 3 | Nepo Laulala | 57' |
| HK | 2 | Codie Taylor | 57' |
| LP | 1 | Joe Moody | 57' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Asafo Aumua | 57' |
| PR | 17 | George Bower | 57' |
| PR | 18 | Ofa Tu'ungafasi | 57' |
| LK | 19 | Patrick Tuipulotu | 40' |
| FL | 20 | Ethan Blackadder | 49' |
| SH | 21 | TJ Perenara | 57' |
| FH | 22 | Richie Mo'unga | 65' |
| FB | 23 | Damian McKenzie | 65' |
| Coach: ||
| Ian Foster ||
* Assistant referees:
* Damon Murphy (Australia)
* Jordan Way (Australia)
* Television match official:
* Brett Cronan (Australia)
Notes:
* South Africa came from behind at half-time (20–14) for the first time against New Zealand since their 24–23 win in 1998.
* This was South Africa's first win over New Zealand and their first win against New Zealand outside South Africa since 2018 when they beat New Zealand 36–34 in the 2018 Rugby Championship round match at New Zealand's Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington.
* This was South Africa's first game victory in Australia and in Queensland since 2013, when they beat Australia 38-12 during the 2013 Rugby Championship round match at Brisbane's Lang Park.

## Squads

| Nation | Head coach | Captain(s) |
| Argentina | Mario Ledesma | Julián Montoya |
| Australia | Dave Rennie | Michael Hooper |
| New Zealand | Ian Foster | Sam Whitelock |
| South Africa | Jacques Nienaber | Siya Kolisi |
Note: Ages, caps and clubs/franchises are of 14 August 2021 – the starting date of the tournament

### Argentina

On 29 July, Argentina announced a 47-man roster for the 2021 Rugby Championship. On 30 September, Pablo Matera, Sebastián Cancelliere, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Felipe Ezcurra, Santiago Medrano and Santiago Socino were expelled from the tournament for breaching COVID-19 protocols.
Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
| Facundo Bosch | Hooker | (1991-08-08)8 August 1991 (aged 30) | 5 | La Rochelle |
| Julián Montoya (c) | Hooker | (1993-10-29)29 October 1993 (aged 27) | 66 | Leicester Tigers |
| Ignacio Ruiz | Hooker | (2001-01-03)3 January 2001 (aged 20) | 0 | Jaguares XV |
| Santiago Socino | Hooker | (1992-05-07)7 May 1992 (aged 29) | 4 | Gloucester |
| Thomas Gallo | Prop | (1999-04-30)30 April 1999 (aged 22) | 0 | Benetton |
| Facundo Gigena | Prop | (1994-09-15)15 September 1994 (aged 26) | 3 | London Irish |
| Francisco Gómez Kodela | Prop | (1985-07-07)7 July 1985 (aged 36) | 14 | Lyon |
| Rodrigo Martínez | Prop | (1997-07-07)7 July 1997 (aged 24) | 0 | Olímpia Lions |
| Santiago Medrano | Prop | (1996-05-06)6 May 1996 (aged 25) | 24 | Western Force |
| Carlos Muzzio | Prop | (1984-08-21)21 August 1984 (aged 36) | 0 | Mont-de-Marsan |
| Enrique Pieretto | Prop | (1994-12-15)15 December 1994 (aged 26) | 25 | Glasgow Warriors |
| Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro | Prop | (1989-06-11)11 June 1989 (aged 32) | 65 | Bristol Bears |
| Joel Sclavi | Prop | (1994-06-25)25 June 1994 (aged 27) | 0 | Jaguares XV |
| Juan Pablo Zeiss | Prop | (1989-08-02)2 August 1989 (aged 32) | 7 | Jaguares XV |
| Matías Alemanno | Lock | (1991-12-05)5 December 1991 (aged 29) | 68 | Gloucester |
| Rodrigo Fernández Criado | Lock | (1998-03-18)18 March 1998 (aged 23) | 0 | Jaguares XV |
| Marcos Kremer | Lock | (1997-07-30)30 July 1997 (aged 24) | 35 | Stade Français |
| Tomás Lavanini | Lock | (1993-01-22)22 January 1993 (aged 28) | 60 | Leicester Tigers |
| Guido Petti | Lock | (1994-11-17)17 November 1994 (aged 26) | 58 | Bordeaux |
| Rodrigo Bruni | Back row | (1993-09-03)3 September 1993 (aged 27) | 10 | Vannes |
| Juan Martín González | Back row | (2000-11-14)14 November 2000 (aged 20) | 1 | Jaguares XV |
| Francisco Gorrissen | Back row | (1994-08-30)30 August 1994 (aged 26) | 2 | Jaguares XV |
| Facundo Isa | Back row | (1993-09-21)21 September 1993 (aged 27) | 33 | Toulon |
| Tomás Lezana | Back row | (1994-02-16)16 February 1994 (aged 27) | 36 | Western Force |
| Pablo Matera | Back row | (1993-07-18)18 July 1993 (aged 28) | 72 | Crusaders |
| Joaquín Oviedo | Back row | (2001-07-17)17 July 2001 (aged 20) | 0 | Jaguares XV |
| Gonzalo Bertranou | Scrum-half | (1993-12-31)31 December 1993 (aged 27) | 28 | Dragons |
| Tomás Cubelli | Scrum-half | (1989-06-12)12 June 1989 (aged 32) | 77 | Western Force |
| Felipe Ezcurra | Scrum-half | (1993-05-15)15 May 1993 (aged 28) | 11 | Jaguares XV |
| Joaquín Díaz Bonilla | Fly-half | (1989-04-12)12 April 1989 (aged 32) | 4 | Leicester Tigers |
| Santiago Mare | Fly-half | (1996-10-21)21 October 1996 (aged 24) | 0 | Argentina Sevens |
| Domingo Miotti | Fly-half | (1996-05-22)22 May 1996 (aged 25) | 4 | Western Force |
| Nicolás Sánchez | Fly-half | (1988-10-26)26 October 1988 (aged 32) | 87 | Stade Français |
| Santiago Chocobares | Centre | (1999-03-31)31 March 1999 (aged 22) | 4 | Toulouse |
| Lucio Cinti | Centre | (2000-02-23)23 February 2000 (aged 21) | 0 | Argentina Sevens |
| Jerónimo de la Fuente | Centre | (1991-02-24)24 February 1991 (aged 30) | 59 | Perpignan |
| Juan Cruz Mallía | Centre | (1996-09-11)11 September 1996 (aged 24) | 8 | Toulouse |
| Matías Moroni | Centre | (1991-03-29)29 March 1991 (aged 30) | 50 | Leicester Tigers |
| Matías Orlando | Centre | (1991-11-14)14 November 1991 (aged 29) | 43 | Newcastle Falcons |
| Sebastián Cancelliere | Wing | (1993-09-17)17 September 1993 (aged 27) | 10 | Jaguares XV |
| Mateo Carreras | Wing | (1999-12-17)17 December 1999 (aged 21) | 0 | Newcastle Falcons |
| Santiago Cordero | Wing | (1993-12-06)6 December 1993 (aged 27) | 40 | Bordeaux |
| Bautista Delguy | Wing | (1997-04-22)22 April 1997 (aged 24) | 19 | Bordeaux |
| Marcos Moneta | Wing | (2000-03-07)7 March 2000 (aged 21) | 0 | Argentina Sevens |
| Emiliano Boffelli | Fullback | (1995-01-16)16 January 1995 (aged 26) | 31 | Racing 92 |
| Santiago Carreras | Fullback | (1998-03-30)30 March 1998 (aged 23) | 11 | Gloucester |
| Ignacio Mendy | Fullback | (2000-06-29)29 June 2000 (aged 21) | 0 | Argentina Sevens |

### Australia

On 25 July, Australia named a 42-man Wallabies squad for the 2021 Rugby Championship.
On 26 July, Quade Cooper was a late addition to the squad.
On 10 August, Samu Kerevi was added to the squad to be available for selection ahead of Australia's second round match (Bledisloe 3) against New Zealand in Perth.
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
| Feleti Kaitu'u | Hooker | (1994-12-30)30 December 1994 (aged 26) | 0 | Force |
| Lachlan Lonergan | Hooker | (1999-10-11)11 October 1999 (aged 21) | 2 | Brumbies |
| Brandon Paenga-Amosa | Hooker | (1995-12-25)25 December 1995 (aged 25) | 13 | Reds |
| Jordan Uelese | Hooker | (1997-01-24)24 January 1997 (aged 24) | 14 | Rebels |
| Allan Alaalatoa | Prop | (1994-01-28)28 January 1994 (aged 27) | 47 | Brumbies |
| Angus Bell | Prop | (2000-04-10)10 April 2000 (aged 21) | 7 | Waratahs |
| Pone Fa'amausili | Prop | (1997-02-26)26 February 1997 (aged 24) | 0 | Rebels |
| Tom Robertson | Prop | (1994-08-28)28 August 1994 (aged 26) | 24 | Force |
| Scott Sio | Prop | (1991-10-16)16 October 1991 (aged 29) | 68 | Brumbies |
| James Slipper | Prop | (1989-06-06)6 June 1989 (aged 32) | 104 | Brumbies |
| Taniela Tupou | Prop | (1996-05-10)10 May 1996 (aged 25) | 29 | Reds |
| Nick Frost | Lock | (1999-10-10)10 October 1999 (aged 21) | 0 | Brumbies |
| Matt Philip | Lock | (1994-03-07)7 March 1994 (aged 27) | 13 | Rebels |
| Izack Rodda | Lock | (1996-08-20)20 August 1996 (aged 24) | 25 | Force |
| Lukhan Salakaia-Loto | Lock | (1996-09-19)19 September 1996 (aged 24) | 29 | Reds |
| Darcy Swain | Lock | (1997-07-05)5 July 1997 (aged 24) | 4 | Brumbies |
| Michael Hooper | Back row | (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 29) | 109 | Toyota Verblitz |
| Rob Leota | Back row | (1997-03-03)3 March 1997 (aged 24) | 0 | Rebels |
| Fraser McReight | Back row | (1999-02-19)19 February 1999 (aged 22) | 2 | Reds |
| Isi Naisarani | Back row | (1995-02-14)14 February 1995 (aged 26) | 11 | Rebels |
| Pete Samu | Back row | (1991-12-17)17 December 1991 (aged 29) | 10 | Brumbies |
| Lachlan Swinton | Back row | (1997-01-16)16 January 1997 (aged 24) | 2 | Waratahs |
| Rob Valetini | Back row | (1998-09-03)3 September 1998 (aged 22) | 8 | Brumbies |
| Harry Wilson | Back row | (1999-11-22)22 November 1999 (aged 21) | 9 | Reds |
| Jake Gordon | Scrum-half | (1993-06-07)7 June 1993 (aged 28) | 9 | Waratahs |
| Ryan Lonergan | Scrum-half | (1998-04-06)6 April 1998 (aged 23) | 0 | Brumbies |
| Tate McDermott | Scrum-half | (1998-09-18)18 September 1998 (aged 22) | 6 | Reds |
| Nic White | Scrum-half | (1990-06-13)13 June 1990 (aged 31) | 37 | Brumbies |
| Quade Cooper | Fly-half | (1988-04-05)5 April 1988 (aged 33) | 70 | Kintetsu Liners |
| Noah Lolesio | Fly-half | (1999-12-18)18 December 1999 (aged 21) | 6 | Brumbies |
| James O'Connor | Fly-half | (1990-07-05)5 July 1990 (aged 31) | 55 | Reds |
| Matt To'omua | Fly-half | (1990-01-02)2 January 1990 (aged 31) | 58 | Rebels |
| Lalakai Foketi | Centre | (1994-12-22)22 December 1994 (aged 26) | 0 | Waratahs |
| Reece Hodge | Centre | (1994-08-26)26 August 1994 (aged 26) | 47 | Rebels |
| Len Ikitau | Centre | (1998-10-01)1 October 1998 (aged 22) | 3 | Brumbies |
| Samu Kerevi | Centre | (1993-09-27)27 September 1993 (aged 27) | 13 | Tokyo Sungoliath |
| Duncan Paia'aua | Centre | (1995-01-20)20 January 1995 (aged 26) | 0 | Toulon |
| Hunter Paisami | Centre | (1998-04-10)10 April 1998 (aged 23) | 10 | Reds |
| Jordan Petaia | Centre | (2000-03-14)14 March 2000 (aged 21) | 9 | Reds |
| Andrew Kellaway | Wing | (1995-10-12)12 October 1995 (aged 25) | 3 | Rebels |
| Marika Koroibete | Wing | (1992-07-26)26 July 1992 (aged 29) | 37 | Rebels |
| Andy Muirhead | Wing | (1993-03-08)8 March 1993 (aged 28) | 0 | Brumbies |
| Tom Wright | Wing | (1997-07-21)21 July 1997 (aged 24) | 5 | Brumbies |
| Tom Banks | Fullback | (1994-06-18)18 June 1994 (aged 27) | 15 | Brumbies |

### New Zealand

The All Blacks 36-man squad for the 2021 Rugby Championship was named on 19 July.
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Franchise/province |
| Asafo Aumua | Hooker | (1997-03-05)5 March 1997 (aged 24) | 2 | Hurricanes / Wellington |
| Dane Coles | Hooker | (1986-12-10)10 December 1986 (aged 34) | 76 | Hurricanes / Wellington |
| Samisoni Taukei'aho | Hooker | (1997-08-08)8 August 1997 (aged 24) | 2 | Chiefs / Waikato |
| Codie Taylor | Hooker | (1991-03-31)31 March 1991 (aged 30) | 59 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| George Bower | Prop | (1992-05-28)28 May 1992 (aged 29) | 3 | Crusaders / Otago |
| Nepo Laulala | Prop | (1991-11-06)6 November 1991 (aged 29) | 32 | Blues / Counties Manukau |
| Tyrel Lomax | Prop | (1996-03-16)16 March 1996 (aged 25) | 8 | Hurricanes / Tasman |
| Joe Moody | Prop | (1988-09-18)18 September 1988 (aged 32) | 50 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| Angus Ta'avao | Prop | (1990-03-22)22 March 1990 (aged 31) | 17 | Chiefs / Auckland |
| Karl Tu'inukuafe | Prop | (1993-02-21)21 February 1993 (aged 28) | 19 | Blues / North Harbour |
| Ofa Tu'ungafasi | Prop | (1992-04-19)19 April 1992 (aged 29) | 39 | Blues / Auckland |
| Scott Barrett | Lock | (1993-11-20)20 November 1993 (aged 27) | 42 | Crusaders / Taranaki |
| Brodie Retallick | Lock | (1991-05-31)31 May 1991 (aged 30) | 84 | Kobelco Steelers / Hawke's Bay |
| Patrick Tuipulotu | Lock | (1993-01-23)23 January 1993 (aged 28) | 39 | Blues / Auckland |
| Tupou Vaa'i | Lock | (2000-01-27)27 January 2000 (aged 21) | 4 | Chiefs / Taranaki |
| Sam Whitelock (c) | Lock | (1988-10-12)12 October 1988 (aged 32) | 126 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| Ethan Blackadder | Loose forward | (1995-03-22)22 March 1995 (aged 26) | 2 | Crusaders / Tasman |
| Shannon Frizell | Loose forward | (1994-02-11)11 February 1994 (aged 27) | 14 | Highlanders / Tasman |
| Akira Ioane | Loose forward | (1995-06-16)16 June 1995 (aged 26) | 5 | Blues / Auckland |
| Luke Jacobson | Loose forward | (1997-04-20)20 April 1997 (aged 24) | 6 | Chiefs / Waikato |
| Dalton Papalii | Loose forward | (1997-10-11)11 October 1997 (aged 23) | 6 | Blues / Counties Manukau |
| Ardie Savea | Loose forward | (1993-10-14)14 October 1993 (aged 27) | 51 | Hurricanes / Wellington |
| Hoskins Sotutu | Loose forward | (1998-07-12)12 July 1998 (aged 23) | 6 | Blues / Counties Manukau |
| TJ Perenara | Half-back | (1992-01-23)23 January 1992 (aged 29) | 69 | NTT Red Hurricanes / Wellington |
| Aaron Smith | Half-back | (1988-11-21)21 November 1988 (aged 32) | 100 | Highlanders / Manawatu |
| Brad Weber | Half-back | (1991-01-17)17 January 1991 (aged 30) | 10 | Chiefs / Hawke's Bay |
| Beauden Barrett | First five-eighth | (1991-05-27)27 May 1991 (aged 30) | 92 | Suntory Sungoliath / Taranaki |
| Richie Mo'unga | First five-eighth | (1994-05-25)25 May 1994 (aged 27) | 25 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| Braydon Ennor | Centre | (1997-07-16)16 July 1997 (aged 24) | 1 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| David Havili | Centre | (1994-12-23)23 December 1994 (aged 26) | 6 | Crusaders / Tasman |
| Rieko Ioane | Centre | (1997-03-18)18 March 1997 (aged 24) | 38 | Blues / Auckland |
| Anton Lienert-Brown | Centre | (1995-04-15)15 April 1995 (aged 26) | 51 | Chiefs / Waikato |
| Quinn Tupaea | Centre | (1999-05-10)10 May 1999 (aged 22) | 1 | Chiefs / Waikato |
| George Bridge | Wing | (1995-04-01)1 April 1995 (aged 26) | 12 | Crusaders / Canterbury |
| Will Jordan | Wing | (1998-02-24)24 February 1998 (aged 23) | 5 | Crusaders / Tasman |
| Sevu Reece | Wing | (1997-02-13)13 February 1997 (aged 24) | 11 | Crusaders / Tasman |
| Jordie Barrett | Fullback | (1997-02-17)17 February 1997 (aged 24) | 26 | Hurricanes / Taranaki |
| Damian McKenzie | Fullback | (1995-05-20)20 May 1995 (aged 26) | 31 | Chiefs / Waikato |

### South Africa

On 8 August 2021, a 42-man squad for the 2021 Rugby Championship was announced.
On 15 August, Jean-Luc du Preez was recalled to the squad
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
| Joseph Dweba | Hooker | (1995-10-25)25 October 1995 (aged 25) | 0 | Bordeaux |
| Johan Grobbelaar | Hooker | (1997-12-30)30 December 1997 (aged 23) | 0 | Bulls |
| Malcolm Marx | Hooker | (1994-07-13)13 July 1994 (aged 27) | 37 | Kubota Spears |
| Bongi Mbonambi | Hooker | (1991-01-07)7 January 1991 (aged 30) | 40 | Stormers |
| Thomas du Toit | Prop | (1995-05-05)5 May 1995 (aged 26) | 12 | Sharks |
| Steven Kitshoff | Prop | (1992-02-10)10 February 1992 (aged 29) | 51 | Stormers |
| Vincent Koch | Prop | (1990-03-13)13 March 1990 (aged 31) | 23 | Saracens |
| Wilco Louw | Prop | (1994-07-20)20 July 1994 (aged 27) | 13 | Harlequins |
| Frans Malherbe | Prop | (1991-03-14)14 March 1991 (aged 30) | 42 | Stormers |
| Ox Nché | Prop | (1995-07-23)23 July 1995 (aged 26) | 3 | Sharks |
| Trevor Nyakane | Prop | (1989-05-04)4 May 1989 (aged 32) | 46 | Bulls |
| Lood de Jager | Lock | (1992-12-17)17 December 1992 (aged 28) | 48 | Sale Sharks |
| Rynhardt Elstadt | Lock | (1989-12-20)20 December 1989 (aged 31) | 3 | Toulouse |
| Eben Etzebeth | Lock | (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 29) | 89 | Toulon |
| Nico Janse van Rensburg | Lock | (1994-05-06)6 May 1994 (aged 27) | 0 | Montpellier |
| Franco Mostert | Lock | (1990-11-27)27 November 1990 (aged 30) | 43 | Mie Honda Heat |
| Marvin Orie | Lock | (1993-02-15)15 February 1993 (aged 28) | 4 | Stormers |
| RG Snyman | Lock | (1995-01-29)29 January 1995 (aged 26) | 23 | Munster |
| Dan du Preez | Loose forward | (1995-08-05)5 August 1995 (aged 26) | 4 | Sale Sharks |
| Jean-Luc du Preez | Loose forward | (1995-08-05)5 August 1995 (aged 26) | 13 | Sale Sharks |
| Siya Kolisi (c) | Loose forward | (1991-06-16)16 June 1991 (aged 30) | 54 | Sharks |
| Kwagga Smith | Loose forward | (1993-06-11)11 June 1993 (aged 28) | 10 | Shizuoka Blue Revs |
| Marco van Staden | Loose forward | (1995-08-25)25 August 1995 (aged 25) | 5 | Leicester Tigers |
| Duane Vermeulen | Loose forward | (1986-07-03)3 July 1986 (aged 35) | 54 | Bulls |
| Jasper Wiese | Loose forward | (1995-10-21)21 October 1995 (aged 25) | 3 | Leicester Tigers |
| Faf de Klerk | Scrum-half | (1991-10-19)19 October 1991 (aged 29) | 32 | Sale Sharks |
| Jaden Hendrikse | Scrum-half | (2000-03-23)23 March 2000 (aged 21) | 0 | Sharks |
| Herschel Jantjies | Scrum-half | (1996-04-22)22 April 1996 (aged 25) | 14 | Stormers |
| Cobus Reinach | Scrum-half | (1990-02-07)7 February 1990 (aged 31) | 16 | Montpellier |
| Elton Jantjies | Fly-half | (1990-08-01)1 August 1990 (aged 31) | 39 | Pau |
| Handré Pollard | Fly-half | (1994-03-11)11 March 1994 (aged 27) | 52 | Montpellier |
| Morné Steyn | Fly-half | (1984-07-11)11 July 1984 (aged 37) | 67 | Bulls |
| Lukhanyo Am | Centre | (1993-11-28)28 November 1993 (aged 27) | 18 | Sharks |
| Damian de Allende | Centre | (1991-11-25)25 November 1991 (aged 29) | 50 | Munster |
| Jesse Kriel | Centre | (1994-02-15)15 February 1994 (aged 27) | 47 | Yokohama Canon Eagles |
| François Steyn | Centre | (1987-05-14)14 May 1987 (aged 34) | 68 | Cheetahs |
| Cheslin Kolbe | Wing | (1993-10-28)28 October 1993 (aged 27) | 17 | Toulouse |
| Makazole Mapimpi | Wing | (1990-07-26)26 July 1990 (aged 31) | 17 | Sharks |
| Sbu Nkosi | Wing | (1996-01-21)21 January 1996 (aged 25) | 11 | Sharks |
| Rosko Specman | Wing | (1989-04-28)28 April 1989 (aged 32) | 1 | Cheetahs |
| Aphelele Fassi | Fullback | (1998-01-23)23 January 1998 (aged 23) | 1 | Sharks |
| Willie le Roux | Fullback | (1989-08-18)18 August 1989 (aged 31) | 65 | Toyota Verblitz |
| Damian Willemse | Fullback | (1998-05-07)7 May 1998 (aged 23) | 10 | Stormers |