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Last Updated: 10/16/20 6:52 am
South Africa lifted the World Cup after beating England in the final last year
South Africa, the World Cup winner, has withdrawn from the Rugby Championship, leaving Argentina, Australia and New Zealand to contest the tournament.
Tournament organizers SANZAAR, who had given South Africa an additional 48 hours to confirm their intentions, announced the early decision on Friday.
South Africa cited concerns about the well-being of players due to the delay in the start of their national competition and the uncertainty about government travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic for players in South Africa and Europe.
The Springboks were scheduled to play Argentina in Sydney on November 7, more than a year since their previous Test Match.
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos said: “Naturally, it is extremely disappointing that the Springboks, due to the continuing complexities of operating in and around this COVID environment, are unable to fully compete in the previously planned six-round Rugby Championship. “.
South Africa will host the British and Irish Lions next year and could have been without test rugby for 20 months when the series begins, unless new matches can be scheduled.
The South African Curry Cup provincial competition only started on October 10 due to delays caused by the coronavirus, which left Springboks players with little play before the Championship.
7:14 Highlights from the first round of the 2020 Bledisloe Cup between New Zealand and Australia
At most, the players would have had three domestic matches prior to Australia’s scheduled start, and for the majority, two of them would have been informal or exhibition matches.
The withdrawal of the Springboks will reduce the Rugby Championship from 12 to six games, all to be played in Australia, but will continue for a period of six weeks, with each team having at least two byes.
The Argentine team is already in Australia preparing for the tournament, as their preparation at home was delayed by a Covid-19 outbreak that affected at least 10 players and the head coach.
The Pumas will also be short of matches when they face their inaugural test and are trying to organize preparation matches against local teams.
The All Blacks and Wallabies will meet in the opening matches of the tournament in Sydney on October 31 and November 7, following their two-match Bledisloe Cup series in New Zealand.
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