Australia’s July Tests have been indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic following a decision by World Rugby to suspend all internationals scheduled for the mid-year window.
The only surprise around the news is it has taken this long to be confirmed – with the coronavirus still having a considerable impact in Europe even as Australia and New Zealand begin to ease restrictions, there was little realistic chance of teams being able to go on international tours so soon.
That New Zealand’s domestic Super Rugby competition has been scheduled to run for ten weeks from mid-June was only further confirmation that the first round of southern hemisphere Tests were off the table.
The Wallabies were slated to play two Tests against Ireland, as well as a rare encounter with Fiji at Townsville’s new stadium, but Rugby Australia still intends to host the same fixtures later in 2020.
“The postponement of the July international window was always a reality given the ongoing travel restrictions and health directives across the globe,” interim Rugby AU CEO Rob Clarke said.
“This was an outcome we were anticipating, and we are planning accordingly to host the fixtures later in the year, if possible, and will continue to work with World Rugby to identify a new window within the international calendar to stage the matches.”
With the July Tests cancelled and matches against South Africa and Argentina still a long way off, it leaves the Bledisloe Cup looming as the most likely fixture to usher in the return of international rugby.
Both the Australian and New Zealand federal governments have flagged the possibility of a travel bubble between the two nations, which would pave the way for a Test series between the two rivals.
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Roar Rookie
This could be the first winter the Wabbles will go undefeated in decades. Kudos!
DAVEC
Roar Rookie
it should happen and wasn't the last allblack tour to Australia playing lots of games on a long tour
Rugger
Guest
Agree with the A vs B team idea. Rennie to coach the A’s and Ewan McKenzie to coach the B’s. Really happy with Rennie’s squad list not including Beale, Simmons & other bottles of vinegar. Would be great to watch Bell, Harrison, Paisami etc to have a crack against the front runners
jameswm
Roar Guru
I’d love to see our “dirt trackers” playing the best of the NZ Super teams, without their test stars. The dirt trackers cold include bench players, who only play 10-20 mins usually. As there’s little else to do, we’d line up roughly like this: Wallaby front row – Sio, Fainga’a, AAA Dirt tracker front row – Slipper, Uelese, Tupou (also take Bell and Mafi/Rangi) Wallaby locks – Rodda and LSL Dirt tracker locks – Philip and Holloway/Neville Wallaby back row – Samu, Hooper, Naisarani Dirt tracker back row – Valetini, Wright, Wilson Wallaby halves – White & Toomua Dirt tracker halves – Louwrens/Powell & Harrison/Lolesio Wallaby centres – JOC & Kuridrani Dirt tracker centres – Kerevi/Simone & Petaia Wallaby back 3 – Koroibete, DHP & Banks Dirt tracker back 3 – from Speight, Kellaway, Wright, Maddocks, Hodge For that matter I’d love to see the A team vs B team, like they’re proposing in the cricket…
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Given the circumstances I wonder if they look at an All Blacks tour to Aus then an Aus tour to NZ. Neither of us basically can’t play anybody else and may not be able to by December.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I totally agree. Something special and different to the same old same old every year. Imagine Hooper, Pocock and co playing in Taupo and Invercargill. Great way for Rennie to build a team as well.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Go back to the old days of the full Wallabies tour of Nz with the midweek games and tests on Saturdays. Visa versa for the All Backs
Olly
Roar Rookie
Come on UQ and there vaccine!!!