The Springboks will have more than just the Nations Championship trophy to play for when the tournament resumes in November.
South Africa will be among 12 leading international rugby nations battling for the newly unveiled Hemisphere Shield, adding another prize to an already highly anticipated end-of-year schedule.
After the opening three rounds in July, the battle between the northern and southern hemispheres is finely balanced at nine wins apiece. South Africa and New Zealand both enjoyed perfect starts to the competition, while France, Scotland, England and Ireland each recorded two victories for the northern hemisphere.
A new trophy up for grabs
The Hemisphere Shield will be awarded to the hemisphere whose teams accumulate the most points during Finals Weekend.
The six teams from each hemisphere will be ranked after the six pool-stage fixtures played across July and November. Those rankings will then determine the Finals Weekend match-ups, with teams facing their equivalent-ranked opponent from the other hemisphere.
The Finals Weekend will take place across 27, 28 and 29 November, with three double-headers determining which hemisphere takes home the new piece of silverware.
How the Hemisphere Shield will be decided
Seven points will be available across the six matches.
Matches between the teams ranked second through sixth will be worth one point for a win. A draw will trigger extra time, with each hemisphere receiving 0.5 points if the scores remain level.
The top-ranked teams will meet in the headline 1 v 1 showdown, with that match worth two points.
If the deciding match remains level after extra time, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.
The first hemisphere to reach four points will be crowned the winner of the Hemisphere Shield.
Springboks face crucial November fixtures
South Africa’s November campaign will feature matches against Italy, France and Ireland, along with one further opponent.
With both the Nations Championship and Hemisphere Shield at stake, the Springboks will have an opportunity to add another piece of silverware to an already impressive collection.
The new shield has been designed and handcrafted by Thomas Lyte in London. It measures 50cm in diameter, weighs 5.65kg and features a silver and gold-plated finish.
Six Nations Rugby CEO Tom Harrison said the Finals Weekend would provide fans with three days of international rugby involving 12 leading nations.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris, meanwhile, stressed the importance of the southern hemisphere teams competing for the new prize.
November therefore promises a fascinating conclusion to the inaugural Nations Championship, with the Springboks chasing success on two fronts.
Can the Springboks help bring the new Hemisphere Shield south?
