Date | 20 August 2016 – 8 October 2016 |
---|---|
Countries | Argentina Australia New Zealand South Africa |
Final positions | |
Champions | New Zealand (14th title) |
Bledisloe Cup | New Zealand |
Freedom Cup | New Zealand |
Mandela Challenge Plate | Australia |
Puma Trophy | Australia |
Tournament statistics | |
Matches played | 12 |
Tries scored | 70 (5.83 per match) |
Attendance | 431,288 (35,941 per match) |
Top scorer(s) | Beauden Barrett (81) |
Most tries | Israel Dagg (5) Ben Smith (5) |
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The 2016 Rugby Championship was the fifth edition of the annual southern hemisphere Rugby Championship, featuring Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The competition is operated by SANZAAR, a joint venture of the four countries' national unions. New Zealand won their first four matches with bonus points to gain an unassailable lead, winning the title for the fourth time.
The tournament started on 20 August after the 2016 Summer Olympics had concluded, with Australia hosting New Zealand and South Africa hosting Argentina. The tournament ran for eight weeks with two bye weeks, ending on 8 October, when South Africa faced New Zealand and Argentina played Australia at Twickenham Stadium in London.