Mzanzi Challenge
{{Short description|Rugby union competition in South Africa}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use South African English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox sports league
| title = Mzansi Challenge
| current_season = 2023 Mzanzi Challenge
| logo =
| sport = Rugby union
| founded = 2023
| inaugural = 2023
| folded = 2023
| teams = 10
| country = South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, United States, Zimbabwe
| champion = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| most_champs = {{Rut|Falcons}} (1)
| sponsor =
}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Smilk |first=Carin M. |date=2023-03-24 |title=Major Jewish groups urge US rugby team to pull out of South Africa tournament |url=https://www.jns.org/major-jewish-groups-urge-us-rugby-team-to-pull-out-of-south-africa-tournament/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=South African Rugby Union withdraws invitation to Tel Aviv Heat |url=https://www.msn.com/en-sg/sport/other/south-african-rugby-union-withdraws-invitation-to-tel-aviv-heat/ar-AA1795dp |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=MSN |language=en-SG}}
The SA Cup became the long term replacement for the Mzansi Challenge.{{Cite web |title=SA Cup to lift off in Kimberley on Human Rights Day |url=https://www.sarugby.co.za/news-features/articles/2024/03/20/sa-cup-to-lift-off-in-kimberley-on-human-rights-day/#:~:text=The%2520SA%2520Cup%2520serves%2520as,the%2520Mzansi%2520Challenge%2520from%25202023. |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=SA Rugby}}
Standings - Mzansi Challenge
{{#invoke:sports table|main|style=Rugby
| res_col_header = Q
| title = 2023 Mzansi Challenge standings
| team_order = FAL, SWD, BCA, LEO, EPE, SCR, WEL, SIM, BBD, ZGO
| win_SCR = 4| draw_SCR = 0| loss_SCR = 5| pf_SCR = 209| pa_SCR = 226| tf_SCR = 30| ta_SCR = 34 | tb_SCR = 8 | lb_SCR = 0
| win_BCA = 7| draw_BCA = 0| loss_BCA = 2| pf_BCA = 232| pa_BCA = 146| tf_BCA = 34| ta_BCA = 17 | tb_BCA = 8 | lb_BCA = 0
| win_BBD = 2| draw_BBD = 0| loss_BBD = 7| pf_BBD = 197| pa_BBD = 352| tf_BBD = 27| ta_BBD = 51 | tb_BBD = 4 | lb_BBD = 0
| win_EPE = 5| draw_EPE = 0| loss_EPE = 4| pf_EPE = 191| pa_EPE = 211| tf_EPE = 23| ta_EPE = 28 | tb_EPE = 5 | lb_EPE = 0
| win_FAL = 8| draw_FAL = 0| loss_FAL = 1| pf_FAL = 323| pa_FAL = 208| tf_FAL = 48| ta_FAL = 29 | tb_FAL = 9 | lb_FAL = 0
| win_WEL = 3| draw_WEL = 0| loss_WEL = 6| pf_WEL = 241| pa_WEL = 274| tf_WEL = 32| ta_WEL = 35 | tb_WEL = 5 | lb_WEL = 0
| win_LEO = 5| draw_LEO = 0| loss_LEO = 4| pf_LEO = 190| pa_LEO = 170| tf_LEO = 24| ta_LEO = 23 | tb_LEO = 6 | lb_LEO = 0
| win_SIM = 2| draw_SIM = 0| loss_SIM = 7| pf_SIM = 135| pa_SIM = 119| tf_SIM = 20| ta_SIM = 17 | tb_SIM = 4 | lb_SIM = 0
| win_ZGO = 1| draw_ZGO = 0| loss_ZGO = 8| pf_ZGO = 106| pa_ZGO = 167| tf_ZGO = 14| ta_ZGO = 26 | tb_ZGO = 4 | lb_ZGO = 0
| win_SWD = 8| draw_SWD = 0| loss_SWD = 1| pf_SWD = 223| pa_SWD = 174| tf_SWD = 31| ta_SWD = 23 | tb_SWD = 8 | lb_SWD = 0
| name_FAL = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| name_SWD = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| name_BCA = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| name_LEO = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| name_EPE = {{Rut|Eastern Province Elephants}}
| name_SCR = San Clemente Rhinos
| name_WEL = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| name_SIM = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| name_BBD = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| name_ZGO = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| col_Q = #E8FFD8 | text_Q =Semifinals
|result1 = Q|result2 = Q|result3 = Q|result4 = Q
| update = 17 June 2023
| source = [https://www.sarugby.co.za/tournaments/carling-currie-cup-first-division/ springboks.rugby]
| class_rules = 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.
Teams were ranked in the standings firstly by tournament points then by: (a) points difference from all matches (points scored less points conceded); (b) tries difference from all matches (tries scored less tries conceded); (c) points difference from the matches between the tied teams; (d) points scored in all matches; (e) tries scored in all matches; and, if needed, (f) a coin toss.
}}
Round 1
{{Rugbybox
| date = 25 March 2023
| home = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| away = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| score = 26–21
| stadium = Police Park, East London
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 25 March 2023
| home = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| away = Zimbabwe Goshawks
| score = Cancelled
| stadium = Olen Park, Potchefstroom
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 25 March 2023
| home = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| away = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| score = 36–23
| stadium = Riverville Stadium, Riversdale
}}
Round 2
{{Rugbybox
| date = 1 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = Cancelled
| stadium = Hamiltons Rugby Club, Cape Town
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 1 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Eastern Province Elephants}}
| away = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| score = Cancelled
| stadium = Adcock Stadium, Gqeberha
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 1 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| away = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| score = 64–17
| stadium = Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 1 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = 22–31
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
Round 3
{{Rugbybox
| date = 8 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| away = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| score = Cancelled
| stadium = Lyle Street Sportsgound, Ceres
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 8 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| away = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| score = Cancelled
| stadium = Olen Park, Potchefstroom
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 8 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| away = San Clemente Rhinos
| score = 28–26
| stadium = Outeniqua Park, George
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 8 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| score = 24–48
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
Round 4
{{Rugbybox
| date = 15 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| away = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| score = 33-24
| stadium = Outeniqua Park, George
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 15 April 2023
| home = San Clemente Rhinos
| away = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| score = 33-22
| stadium = Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 15 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| score = 24–20
| stadium = De Wet Stadium, Despatch
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 15 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| away = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| score = 26–31
| stadium = Harare Sports Club, Harare
}}
Round 5
{{Rugbybox
| date = 22 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = 31-22
| stadium = Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 22 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = 25-33
| stadium = Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 22 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| away = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| score = 27–43
| stadium = Police Park, East London
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 22 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = San Clemente Rhinos
| score = 24–25
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
Round 6
{{Rugbybox
| date = 28 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| away = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| score = 47-25
| stadium = Outeniqua Park, George
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 29 April 2023
| home = San Clemente Rhinos
| away = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| score = 31-25
| stadium = Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 29 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| score = 12–3
| stadium = Glaskasteel Fields, Bredasdorp
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 29 April 2023
| home = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| away = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| score = 18–7
| stadium = Port Alfred High School, Port Alfred
}}
Round 7
{{Rugbybox
| date = 6 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| away = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| score = 30-26
| stadium = CPUT Sports Stadium, Cape Town
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 6 May 2023
| home = San Clemente Rhinos
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = 36-45
| stadium = Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 6 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| away = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| score = 48–57
| stadium = Harare Sports Club, Harare
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 6 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| score = 20–23
| stadium = Jan Wilken Stadium, Walvis Bay
}}
Round 8
{{Rugbybox
| date = 13 May 2023
| home = San Clemente Rhinos
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| score = 22-41
| stadium = Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 13 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = 25-18
| stadium = De Wet Stadium, Despatch
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 13 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| score = 35–28
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 13 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| away = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| score = cancelled
| stadium = Harare Sports Club, Harare
}}
Round 9
{{Rugbybox
| date = 20 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| away = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| score = 48-7
| stadium = Nakuru Rugby Club, Nakuru
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 20 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = 29-15
| stadium = Pella Park, Porterville
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 20 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| away = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| score = 56–29
| stadium = Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 20 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| away = San Clemente Rhinos
| score = 41-36
| stadium = Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane
}}
Round 10
{{Rugbybox
| date = 27 May 2023
| home = San Clemente Rhinos
| away = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| score = cancelled
| stadium = N/A
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 27 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| away = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| score = cancelled
| stadium = Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 27 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| score = 16–43
| stadium = Police Park, East London
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 27 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Zimbabwe Goshawks}}
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = cancelled
| stadium = Harare Sports Club, Harare
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 27 May 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = 17-38
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
Round 11
{{Rugbybox
| date = 3 June 2023
| home = {{Rut|Simbas}}
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = cancelled
| stadium = RFUEA Ground, Nairobi
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 3 June 2023
| home = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| away = {{Rut|Falcons}}
| score = 35-43
| stadium = Olen Park, Potchefstroom
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 3 June 2023
| home = {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| score = 19–68
| stadium = Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane
}}
{{Rugbybox
| date = 3 June 2023
| home = {{Rut|Welwitschias}}
| away = {{Rut|Eastern Province}}
| score = 47-29
| stadium = Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek
}}
Play-offs
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.{{Cite web |last=Mjikeliso |first=Sibusiso |title=SA Rugby avoid crisis as SWD lodge Valke dispute, nearly pull out of troubled Mzansi Challenge |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/sa-rugby-avoid-crisis-as-swd-lodge-valke-dispute-nearly-pull-out-of-troubled-mzansi-challenge-20230609 |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=Sport |language=en-US}}
=Semifinals=
{{rugbybox collapsible
| date = 10 June 2023
| time = 15:00
| home = Falcons
| score = 57–30
| away = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| report= [https://www.sarugby.co.za/match-centre/match-centre-detail/?id=082c96e0-68a4-488b-983a-0c2476069d26&returnUrl=/tournaments/currie-cup-first-division-mzansi-challenge/]
| try1 =
| con1 =
| pen1 =
| drop1 =
| try2 =
| con2 =
| pen2 =
| drop2 =
| stadium = Barnard Stadium
| attendance =
| referee =
}}
{{rugbybox collapsible
| date = 10 June 2023
| time = 15:00
| home = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| score = 37–20
| away = {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}
| report=[https://www.sarugby.co.za/match-centre/match-centre-detail/?id=e16cc4a8-e332-4cc8-9b04-13c0e6358bfb&returnUrl=/tournaments/currie-cup-first-division-mzansi-challenge/]
| try1 =
| con1 =
| pen1 =
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| con2 =
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| stadium = Outeniqua Park
| attendance =
| referee =
}}
=Final=
{{rugbybox collapsible |class=collapsible expanded
| date = 17 June 2023
| time = 12.30
| home = Falcons
| score = 55–38
| away = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| report= [https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/good-keagan-fortune-guides-valke-to-mzansi-challenge-glory-news-17-june-2023/]
| try1 = Tshabalala
Elias
Wellman
Stamper
Ntunja
Arendse
| con1 = Fortune (5)
| pen1 = Fortune (5)
| drop1 =
| try2 = Syster (2)
Leonard
Stander
Ntsane
| pen2 =
| drop2 =
| cards2 =
| stadium = Barnard Stadium
| attendance =
| referee =
}}