Tri Nations Championship 2003

Lore & Background

New Zealand won the 2003 Tri Nations championship, successfully defending the trophy they had won in 2002. The tournament was shortened to a double round-robin format due to the Rugby World Cup in France that year. The championship and the Bledisloe Cup came down to the final match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, where New Zealand ran out easy winners and lifted both trophies. There was some controversy as South Africa fielded less than a full strength squad in the away legs in Australia and New Zealand in anticipation of the World Cup.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed down on Eden Park as the final whistle approached. Tana Umaga stood over the ball, the weight of the nation pressing against his shoulders. The scoreboard was unforgiving; Australia's lead was slender but secure. He took a breath, the smell of wet grass and mud filling his lungs. The kick sailed through the air, a white arc against the grey sky, but it drifted just wide of the posts. A collective groan rose from the crowd, a sound that echoed the season's heartbreak. The All Blacks had fought with everything they had, but in 2003, the Tri Nations trophy would not come home.

Reader's Guide

The 2003 Tri Nations was contested by Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Each team played the other twice, home and away. New Zealand defended their title in 2003.

Did You Know?

• The 2003 Tri Nations was shortened to two games against each opponent because it clashed with the Rugby World Cup in France.
• New Zealand won the 2003 Tri Nations championship, successfully defending their 2002 title.
• The final match of the 2003 Tri Nations, between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, decided both the Tri Nations championship and the Bledisloe Cup.
• South Africa fielded less than a full strength squad in the away legs in Australia and New Zealand in 2003, in anticipation of the World Cup.