Rugby Championship
Condensed Rugby Championship format revealed
ESPN Staff
October 13, 2014
New Zealand will head into next year's Rugby Championship as title-holders © Getty Images
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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. 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:
July 17: New Zealand v Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch
July 18: Australia v South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round Two:
Saturday July 25: South Africa v New Zealand - Venue TBC
Saturday July 25: Argentina v Australia - Venue TBC

Round Three:
Saturday August 8: Australia v New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Saturday August 8: South Africa v Argentina - Venue TBC

Additional Week (not for competition points):
Saturday August 15: New Zealand v Australia - Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday August 15: Argentina v South Africa - Venue TBC

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