New Zealand will head into next year’s Rugby Championship as title-holders

Australia will play New Zealand twice in a week as part of their preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The draw for the condensed 2015 Rugby Championship sees champions New Zealand host Argentina in Christchurch but travelling to South Africa and Australia.

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The competition will take place over three rounds with a fourth added that will not contribute to the tournament.

SANZAR CEO Greg Peters said: “The Rugby Championship continues to be one of the game’s greatest tests, pitting the world’s elite rugby nations against one another.

The intense rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa has risen to lofty new heights in recent years and subsequently evolved into one of sport’s ‘must watch’ events, captivating crowds in stadiums, bars and living rooms around the world.

“Argentina recently returned to the IRB’s top 10 and will seek to build on their inaugural victory in the championship while the Wallabies and All Blacks renew another rivalry steeped in history and tradition with clashes in Sydney and Auckland.”

Round One:

• 17 July: New Zealand vs Argentina – AMI Stadium, Christchurch
• 18 July: Australia vs South Africa – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round Two:

• Saturday 25 July: South Africa vs New Zealand – Venue in SA TBA
• Saturday 25 July: Argentina vs Australia – Venue in Argentina TBA

Round Three:

• Saturday 8 August: Australia vs New Zealand – ANZ Stadium, Sydney
• Saturday 8 August: South Africa vs Argentina – Venue in SA TBA

Additional Week (not for competition points):

• Saturday 15 August: New Zealand vs Australia – Eden Park, Auckland
• Saturday 15 August: Argentina vs South Africa – Venue in Argentina TBA