Dylan Bettencourt
The Australian state of Queensland will play host for the remainder of the Rugby Championship, Sanzaar confirmed after desperate talks to secure a safe venue for the rest of the tournament.
South Africa along with New Zealand, Australia and Argentina will play four double-header tests between 12 September and 2 October in Brisbane, Townsville and the Gold Coast.
The All Blacks withdrew from the tournament until a safe plan was put in place following increases in Covid-19 cases in both New Zealand and Australia.
The two neighbours were due to compete in the Bledisloe Cup, which doubles as a fixture in the Rugby Championship, but the clash was postponed until an acceptable decision could be made.
Sanzaar indicated that the fixture will be played in Australia despite the All Blacks having to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country.
We thought last year was tough,” said Sanzaar chief Brendan Morris. “But the current disruption caused by the Delta variant of Covid-19 has seen government authorities tighten up border biosecurity measures substantially.”
Morris said the governing body had no other option but to host the remainder of the tournament in Queensland where crowds are permitted in stadiums.
The Springboks – the current world champions – lead the Rugby Championship standings with nine points after beating Argentina on two separate occasions. The All Blacks are in second place with five points, having only played one of their two fixtures against Australia.
Jacques Nienaber and his South Africa side will face the Wallabies on 12 September at the Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Image source: @SowetanLIVE
