Rugby Championship heads to Australia

GREAT news for rugby fans is that after frantic talks, the remainder of the Rugby Championship will take place in the Australian state of Queensland.

This means that New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and world champions and defending Rugby Championship champions South Africa, will play four double-header tests in front of fans between 12 September and 2 October in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville.

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The fate of the third Bledisloe Cup game between the Wallabies and All Blacks, which doubles as a Rugby Championship clash and was due to be played in Perth this weekend, will be decided soon. Governing body Sanzaar confirmed it would remain in Perth.

Sanzaar chief Brendan Morris said the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus has caused major issues, with government authorities tightening up border bio-security measures.

All teams will be based at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast for a controlled quarantine period.

It is the second year running that the southern hemisphere competition has been thrown into disarray by the virus, with South Africa pulling out altogether in 2020.

After the first two rounds, South Africa is sitting on top of the log with nine points after two wins, followed by second-placed New Zealand with five points after one outing.

Remaining fixtures
Sunday, 12 September – Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast
New Zealand vs Argentina and South Africa vs Australia

Saturday, 18 September – Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane
Argentina vs New Zealand and Australia vs South Africa

Saturday, 25 September – Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville
Australia vs Argentina and New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday, 2 October – Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast
Argentina vs Australia and South Africa vs New Zealand

*Note: Australia vs New Zealand, Perth round 2 encounter TBC