Bledisloe Cup dates confirmed as part of bumper Rugby Championship 2021 schedule

Australia and New Zealand will renew their storied rivalry in August, as part of SANZAAR's announcement of The Rugby Championship (TRC) schedule for 2021.

As part of the 12-match tournament between Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina later this year, the All Blacks and Wallabies will square off in two blockbuster clashes.

Australia will host the first match on Saturday 21st August, before the return fixture a week later across the ditch.

Reigning world champions South Africa will return to the TRC this year after missing the 2020 tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Argentina will again play all their games away from home. 

SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said it was exciting to welcome back the Springboks and said they had worked tirelessly to make this a safe environment for players and officials. 

“We have worked tirelessly with the National Unions through the continued difficulties associated with the pandemic. This includes ongoing international border travel restrictions, quarantine protocols and player welfare concerns," he said.

"Therefore, we have been unable to roll out the previously agreed mini-tour format as we simply cannot play matches in Argentina at present due to the impact of the pandemic.“
 
“Nonetheless, the exciting news is that we do welcome back South Africa to The Rugby Championship after a difficult 2020 when the pandemic made it impossible for them to participate.

"The Springboks are the reigning World Champions and it will be fantastic for rugby fans to see them play once again in this prestigious tournament.”
 
“Like last year the Pumas will play all their matches away from home and we thank them once again for their understanding in this regard.

"The Pumas beat New Zealand for the first time in their history in last year’s Tri-Nations and drew both matches with Australia indicating what a strong and robust squad they possess.”
 
“This year’s agreed 12-match tournament format will see two matches played in South Africa, five in Australia and five in New Zealand.

"The South Africa-based matches will see Argentina play South Africa twice before both teams head to Australia and New Zealand for the remainder of the tournament."

South Africa will host two matches against the Pumas to kick off the tournament, before five matches each in Australia and New Zealand. 

Australia will take on the All Blacks to start the tournament, before two matches with the Springboks and rounding out the schedule against Argentina. 

See below for the full schedue.