Mzanzi Challenge
Current season, competition or edition: 2023 Mzanzi Challenge | |
 | |
| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| First season | 2023 |
| Ceased | 2023 |
| No. of teams | 10 |
| Country | South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, United States, Zimbabwe |
| Last champion(s) | Falcons |
| Most titles | Falcons (1) |
The 2023 Currie Cup First Division ran concurrently with the Mzansi Challenge, which, in addition to the six South African sides, featured four additional international sides; the Welwitschias from Namibia, the Zimbabwe Goshawks, the Simbas from Kenya and the San Clemente Rhinos from the USA. Initially, the Tel Aviv Heat from Israel were due to play. However, after pressure from the South African BDS, SARU withdrew their invitation to the Heat, who were replaced by the Rhinos.[1][2]
The SA Cup became the long term replacement for the Mzansi Challenge.[1]
Standings - Mzansi Challenge[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Falcons | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 323 | 208 | +115 | 48 | 29 | 9 | 0 | 41 | Semifinals |
| 2 | SWD Eagles | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 223 | 174 | +49 | 31 | 23 | 8 | 0 | 40 | |
| 3 | Boland Cavaliers | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 232 | 146 | +86 | 34 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 36 | |
| 4 | Leopards | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 190 | 170 | +20 | 24 | 23 | 6 | 0 | 26 | |
| 5 | Eastern Province Elephants | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 191 | 211 | −20 | 23 | 28 | 5 | 0 | 25 | |
| 6 | San Clemente Rhinos | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 209 | 226 | −17 | 30 | 34 | 8 | 0 | 24 | |
| 7 | Welwitschias | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 241 | 274 | −33 | 32 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 17 | |
| 8 | Simbas | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 135 | 119 | +16 | 20 | 17 | 4 | 0 | 12 | |
| 9 | Border Bulldogs | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 197 | 352 | −155 | 27 | 51 | 4 | 0 | 12 | |
| 10 | Zimbabwe Goshawks | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 106 | 167 | −61 | 14 | 26 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
Rules for classification: Tournament points in the standings were awarded to teams as follows:
- 4 points for a win.
- 2 points for a draw.
- 1 bonus point for a loss in a match by seven points or under.
- 1 bonus point for scoring four tries or more.
Round 1[edit]
Round 2[edit]
Round 3[edit]
Round 4[edit]
Round 5[edit]
Play-offs[edit]
On the eve of the playoffs, South Western Districts Eagles threatened to pull out of their semifinal, disputing the decision to award the Falcons points after they refused to play against the San Clemente Rhinos.[3]
Semifinals[edit]
| 10 June 2023 | Falcons | 57–30 | Leopards | Barnard Stadium | ||
| 15:00 | [2] |
| 10 June 2023 | SWD Eagles | 37–20 | Boland Cavaliers | Outeniqua Park | ||
| 15:00 | [3] |
Final[edit]
| 17 June 2023 | Falcons | 55–38 | SWD Eagles | Barnard Stadium | ||
| 12.30 | [4] |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Smilk, Carin M. (24 March 2023). "Major Jewish groups urge US rugby team to pull out of South Africa tournament". JNS.org. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
- ^ "South African Rugby Union withdraws invitation to Tel Aviv Heat". MSN. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
- ^ Mjikeliso, Sibusiso. "SA Rugby avoid crisis as SWD lodge Valke dispute, nearly pull out of troubled Mzansi Challenge". Sport. Retrieved 17 June 2023.