The Rugby Championship
SANZAR reveals final draw for Rugby Championship
ESPN Staff
May 5, 2015
The All Blacks are hunting a fourth straight Rugby Championship crown © Getty Images
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New Zealand will host Argentina in the opening encounter of a condensed Rugby Championship after SANZAR revealed the final draw for this year's tournament.

The All Blacks will welcome the Pumas to Christchurch in a rare Friday night Test on July 17 while Australi play host to the Springboks in Brisbane the following evening. Each side will face each other just the once instead of the usual home-and-away format, although there will be a weekend of games outside the Championship which won't count for points.

While the Wallabies and All Blacks had already confirmed their return Bledisloe Cup fixture for August 15, the Springboks and Pumas will now also face off in what will serve as a valuable warm-up for Rugby World Cup 2015.

New Zealand have won all three editions of The Rugby Championship but face arguably their toughest title defence yet; the All Blacks have just one game at home in 2015.

Round 1:

Friday, July 17: New Zealand vs Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch Saturday, July 18: Australia vs South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round 2:

Saturday, July 25: South Africa vs New Zealand - Ellis Park, Johannesburg Saturday, July 25: Argentina vs Australia - Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Round 3:

Saturday, August 8: Australia vs New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney Saturday, August 8: South Africa vs Argentina - King's Park Rugby Stadium, Durban

Non-Rugby Championship weekend

Saturday, August 15: New Zealand vs Australia - Eden Park, Auckland Saturday, August 15: Argentina vs South Africa - Venue TBC, Buenos Aires

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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