2013 Rugby Championship
The 2013 Rugby Championship, known as The Castle Rugby Championship in South Africa, The Investec Rugby Championship in New Zealand, The Castrol Edge Rugby Championship in Australia and The Personal Rugby Championship in Argentina for sponsorship reasons, was the second edition of the expanded annual southern hemisphere championship consisting of Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. New Zealand as the 2012 holders, was trying to keep their 100% winning record in the championship after winning six from six in 2012.
| Date | 17 August – 5 October 2013 |
|---|---|
| Countries | Argentina Australia New Zealand South Africa |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | New Zealand (12th title) |
| Bledisloe Cup | New Zealand |
| Freedom Cup | New Zealand |
| Mandela Challenge Plate | South Africa |
| Puma Trophy | Australia |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 12 |
| Tries scored | 66 (5.5 per match) |
| Attendance | 488,113 (40,676 per match) |
| Top scorer(s) | Morné Steyn (88) |
| Most tries | Ben Smith (8) |
← 2012 2014 → | |
The Championship began on 17 August with Australia hosting New Zealand at Stadium Australia and South Africa hosting Argentina at the FNB Stadium. The match between South Africa and Argentina was originally meant to be held at the Free State Stadium, but it was moved to the FNB to form a unique sports programme – Nelson Mandela Sports Day – in honour of Nelson Mandela.
The Championship concluded with South Africa hosting New Zealand at the Ellis Park Stadium and Argentina hosting Australia at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito. Argentina were the only nation to reuse the same venues from 2012.
The Championship was retained by New Zealand after a 38-27 win against South Africa at Ellis Park on 5 October, keeping their 100 percent winning record in the expanded championship.