Wallabies to play Argentina at Twickenham

Tue, Apr 5, 2016, 10:30 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Rob Simmons scored a try against Argentina in the 2015 Rugby World Cup semifinal.
Rob Simmons scored a try against Argentina in the 2015 Rugby World Cup semifinal.

The Wallabies will take on Argentina at Twickenham in this year's Rugby Championship, just short of a year after the sides played out a Rugby World Cup semifinal at the same ground.

In the first Rugby Championship match to be played outside of the four competing nations, the sides will have a chance to showcase the exciting brand of Southern Hemisphere Rugby, that set the World Cup alight in 2016. 

The arrangement came about after Los Pumas agreed to move one of their home fixtures to the English base, coming to a deal with the RFU.

SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos said the shift was part of a global strategy for the Rugby Championship.

"Aligned with our intent to take this product across the globe, Argentina have embraced this by moving one of their home fixtures to Twickenham thereby affording an ever growing fan base in the United Kingdom the opportunity to see two of the world's most entertaining teams compete for one of the world's toughest trophies in front of a passionate rugby crowd at Twickenham," he said.

Rob Simmons scored a try against Argentina in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semifinal. Photo: Getty ImagesARU CEO Bill Pulver said the match would help whet the appetites of European Rugby fans for more Southern Hemisphere action live and on TV.

“The Northern Hemisphere enjoyed a taste of The Rugby Championship with all four semi-finalists from the recent Rugby World Cup emanating from the SANZAAR competition," he said.

“Our recent broadcast agreement with Sky Sports also indicates there is huge interest in the tournament in the UK.

"From an ARU perspective this is another fantastic opportunity to showcase the Qantas Wallabies to our fans based in England, as well as thousands of new fans.

"The two nations played out a thoroughly entertaining Rugby World Cup semi-final at Twickenham only a few months ago, so I’m sure fans in England will take the opportunity to see another open, attacking encounter between two teams who love playing with ball in hand.”

The Wallabies will host Argentina in Perth during the Rugby Championship as one of six home Tests this year.

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