The Rugby Championship competition involving the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springbok and Pumas will be played in Queensland - and although the Bledisloe Cup test will still be played in Perth, it will likely be a week later than scheduled.
The third Bledisloe Cup test will still be played in Perth but the date is yet to be confirmed. Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport Ltd 2021
Competition organisers SANZAAR have confirmed the schedule changes, which have been brought about by the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Eight matches of the tournament will now be played in Queensland after SANZAAR and the national unions were able to agree to suitable travel, accommodation and quarantine arrangements.
The outstanding second-round match, between the All Blacks and the Wallabies which was due to be played in Perth this weekend will still be played in WA - but SANZAAR is yet to confirm the date.
This means there will be no matches played in Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Auckland and Dunedin as previously scheduled.
"We thought last year was tough when we had to implement a Tri-nations tournament in Australia with South Africa absent due to the pandemic, but the current disruption caused by the 'Selta variant' of Covid-19 has seen government authorities tighten up border bio-security measures substantially," SANZAAR chief executive Brendan Morris said .
He confirmed they had looked at several options, including moving the tournament to South Africa and Europe.
The matches played in Queensland will be double headers and quarantine costs will be met by SANZAAR.
Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the games "will take place under non-negotiable Covid-safe conditions for the safety of players and spectators."
The games will be played in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville.
Match Schedule
Round 2
TBC: Australia v New Zealand: Optus Stadium, Perth.
Round 3
Sunday 12 September: New Zealand v Argentina: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Sunday 12 September: South Africa v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Round 4
Saturday 18 September: Argentina v New Zealand: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday 18 September: Australia v South Africa: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 5
Sat 25 September: New Zealand v South Africa: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Sat 25 September: Australia v Argentina: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Round 6
Sat 2 October: South Africa v New Zealand: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Sat 2 October: Argentina v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast
* All kick-off times and match order to be confirmed
** Also Third Bledisloe Cup match - Date to be confirmed
