Super 12

Super 12 is a Rugby Union championship competed for by teams from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

The first Super 12 series was held in 1996, although it has its origins in the Super 10, Super 6 and South Pacific championships. It was born out of the success of 1995 Rugby Union World Cup, pitting regional teams of the then three strongest rugby nations against each other.

Current competing teams are:

• Australia
  • ACT Brumbies
  • New South Wales Waratahs
  • Queensland Reds

• New Zealand
  • Blues (representing the North Island from Auckland northward)
  • Chiefs (representing the central North Island)
  • Crusaders (representing the northern two-thirds of the South Island, including Christchurch)
  • Highlanders (representing the southern third of the South Island, including Dunedin)
  • Hurricanes (representing the southern North Island, including Wellington)

• South Africa
  • Bulls (representing northern Gauteng and points north)
  • Cats (representing southern Gauteng, Free State, and nearby areas)
  • Sharks (representing KwaZulu-Natal and adjacent areas in Eastern Cape)
  • Stormers (representing Western Cape, Northern Cape, and most of Eastern Cape)

The 2003 Super 12 Trophy was taken by the Blues, who defeated the defending champion Crusaders in the final.

Winners

• 1996 Blues
• 1997 Blues
• 1998 Crusaders
• 1999 Crusaders
• 2000 Crusaders
• 2001 ACT Brumbies
• 2002 Crusaders
• 2003 Blues

Total Wins

• Crusaders 4
• Blues 3
• ACT Brumbies 1

Wins by Country

• New Zealand 7
• Australia 1
• South Africa 0