The Springboks have been named to play Australia on 14 November in a revised Rugby Championship schedule released on Thursday.

Sanzaar and tournament hosts Rugby Australia announced on Thursday that the 12-match tournament will now be played across seven weeks with Australia’s clash with New Zealand moved from 12 December to 31 October at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

South Africa’s Test against Argentina on 12 December has been moved to Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium to close out the tournament.

The remainder of the draw is otherwise unchanged with five straight weeks of double-headers beginning at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, 7 November. Kick-off times have also been confirmed.

Despite the fact SA Rugby has yet to confirm the Springboks’ participation, Sanzaar’s statement suggested ‘the Springboks are set to play for the first time since they became world champions at the World Cup in Japan last year when they face Argentina on match-day two. Saturday, 7 November will also mark the first time that tier-one nations will have ever faced off in a Test match double-header’.

Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos said: ‘The opening of the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand from New Zealand and an agreement by the parties on revised commercial outcomes have enabled the joint venture to consider alternative solutions in addressing our two key objectives of commercial viability and player welfare.

Revised draw for The Rugby Championship 2020

Match-day three – Saturday, 14 November
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
19:45 AEDT – South Africa vs Australia

Match-day six – Saturday, 5 December
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
19:45 AEDT – Australia vs South Africa

 

Speculation is mounting that the Springboks will pull out of the Rugby Championship, potentially turning the southern hemisphere tournament on its head.

South Africa are expected to announce this week whether they will attend the tournament against the All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas being held in Australia in November and December.

Former Springboks coach Jake White has voiced concerns over player readiness and now English journalist Martin Gillingham has tweeted his understanding that South Africa will pull out.

“SA Rugby expected to announce in the coming days the Springboks are withdrawing from the Rugby Championship,” he said. “Their first test is supposed to be against Argentina on Nov 7. Rassie Erasmus will cite ‘player welfare’ as the reason.”

SA Rugby issued a statement at the weekend saying: “The Springboks’ ability to participate in the Rugby Championship will be finalized early next week.

The team is due to defend its title in Australia between November 7 and December 12, but several hurdles need to be cleared if it is to be confirmed.”

The Springboks haven’t played since winning the World Cup final against England in Japan last November.

They are due to play the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship on November 21 and 28.

The participation of world champion South Africa in the 2020 Rugby Championship hangs in the balance after a statement released Saturday said a decision would be made next week.

A coronavirus-induced ban on international sport by the South African government was lifted recently and the national soccer team hosted Namibia this week.

But South African Rugby officials are seeking further clarification from the sports ministry as to how the regulations governing participation would affect the Springboks.

The statement said a decision will be made “early next week” on whether South Africa will defend a title won last year in a single-round tournament due to the World Cup.

Competitive rugby resumed in South Africa only this Friday after a six-month suspension triggered by Covid-19 and there is concern about the readiness of players for test rugby.

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has said he would not favor competing unless the chosen players had been involved in a minimum of six matches.

Given the much-later return to rugby than New Zealand and Australia as South Africa was more affected by the pandemic, that target cannot be met.

Officials also have to consider the financial impact of not competing against host Australia, New Zealand and Argentina in the Oct. 31-Dec. 5 tournament.

SA Rugby slashed 1.2 billion rand ($73 million) off their 2020 budget due to the coronavirus and reportedly could pocket 300 million rand by playing in Australia.

If the Springboks opt to participate, they will begin their title defense against Argentina in Brisbane on Nov. 7.

The Springboks Rugby Championship was created in 2012 when Argentina joined a competition previously called the Tri Nations.

It is normally staged between August and October with each country playing the other three at home and away.

South African rugby have announced a return to domestic action but have yet to commit to the Springboks playing in the Rugby Championship.

There is relief in the rugby republic that play will finally resume with the country still being hit hard by Covid-19.

A double header in Pretoria on September 26 will see the Bulls play the Sharks and the Lions play the Stormers.

On October 3 what is effectively a Springboks trial will be held, involving the top players and emerging talent under the guidance of director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and new Boks coach Jacques Nienabar.

It would not only be great to see the Rugby World Cup champions in action, but it would also give the Bok management valuable preparation for next year’s tour of the British & Irish Lions.”

There are concerns the Springboks will be seriously disadvantaged by their late return to action while New Zealand and Australia have already played domestic versions of Super Rugby and new All Blacks coach Ian Foster has his players currently involved in the Mitre 10 Cup. More New AUS v SA Rugby