Is this the next silverware for Springboks’ trophy cabinet?

After three Nations Championship rounds in July, the contest between north and south is deadlocked at nine wins a piece, with the Springboks and All Blacks having enjoyed a clean sweep in their first three fixtures earlier this year.

From the northern hemisphere, France, Scotland, England and Ireland all have two wins.

The Nations Championship Trophy won’t be the only piece of silverware up for grabs at the end of the year. A ‘hemisphere shield’ has now been revealed, and will be claimed by the hemisphere group that earns the most number of points during the Finals Weekend.

For the Nations Championship, across the six pool-stage matches in July and November, teams from the southern and northern hemisphere will continue to compete against each other. Points earned from those matches determine a final one to six ranking for each hemisphere’s table, and the finals weekend pairs each team against their direct equivalent rank from the opposite conference.

Springboks on the hunt for more silverware

In their final four games at the end of the year, the Springboks will face Italy, France and Ireland as well as one final opponent.

How the Hemisphere Challenge Points System Works

The Hemisphere Shield scoring system turns all six matches across Finals Weekend into a unified points race:

The Format: Finals Weekend features three double-headers across 27th, 28th, and 29th November, pitting each hemisphere’s nations directly against their equivalent ranked opponent (1 v 1, 2 v 2, down to 6 v 6).

The Points: A total of seven points are available across the weekend.

Matches 2 v 2 through 6 v 6: Each victory is worth one point. In the event of a draw, extra time will be played. If still tied after extra time, each hemisphere receives 0.5 points.

The 1 v 1 Showdown: The grand final match carries double weight, awarding two points to the winner. If tied after extra time, a high-drama penalty shootout will decide the outcome.

Winning Target: The first hemisphere to reach four points officially claims the Hemisphere Shield.

With two trophies on the line, every fixture matters on Finals Weekend, said Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby. “For fans, three days of back-to-back fixtures featuring the 12 best teams packed with the best players in rugby, and unprecedented access to tickets, guarantees an incredible experience that will turn London into the ultimate closing party of international rugby this year.”

“For the players, representing your country will always carry enormous pride, but the Nations Championship adds another dimension,” said SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris. “Make no mistake about it: the Southern teams will have the full support of SANZAAR and rugby fans in the south, and the teams will be primed and ready to go for November. We want the silverware heading south.”

Shield Specifications

Diameter: 50cm

Weight: 5.65kg

Finish: Silver and gold-plated

Craftsmanship: Designed and handcrafted by Thomas Lyte in its London-based fine silver workshops.