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The 2017 Rugby Championship is returning to Mendoza. Argentina’s home fixture against Australia will take place at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on October 07.
It is to be the fourth Rugby Championship match in the city. Los Pumas previously played host to South Africa at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in 2012 and 2013 and against Australia in 2014.
Of the three Rugby Championship tests in Mendoza Los Pumas have a 1-1-1 record. In 2012 they competed to a draw against South Africa. The following year the Springboks were too strong while in 2014 Argentina made history, winning a Rugby Championship match for the first time.
In confirming the 2017 fixture Mendoza’s provincial government’s Sub-secretary of Sport, Federico Chiappetta commented: “the truth is that it is a pleasure to be able to host this fixture. It is going to be a beautiful party. For Mendoza it is a sensational opportunity to promote the region. It is a sporting extravaganza which attracts tourism. The high public demand that this match will bring is such that the effort justifies the involvement of the provincial government.”
UAR President Carlos Araujo noted that “we feel great. The UAR is very pleased to be returning to Mendoza. Us, the players… Last year the game we played in England and we received criticisms, but well, the Mendoza government at the time was unable to fulfill the requirements but now, after conversations, Mendoza is ready to host again.”
Venues are yet to be allocated for Argentina’s home matches against South Africa and New Zealand. These fixtures are to take place on August 26 and September 30 respectively. The All Blacks are expected to be returning to Buenos Aires while the Springboks test is speculated as being played in Córdoba.
Before the Rugby Championship Argentina will play host to England in San Juan and Santa Fé and then face Georgia in Jujuy.
