After nine seasons at George in the Western Cape, the competition moved to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

New Zealand won the title by defeating South Africa 31–26 in the final.

Points were awarded in each pool on a different schedule from most rugby tournaments—3 for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a loss.

The top two teams in each pool advanced to the Cup competition.

The four quarterfinal losers dropped into the bracket for the Plate.