Australia will play a Test against Argentina at Twickenham "in a bid to cash in on the success of both countries" at last year's Rugby World Cup, according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Pumas "came of age at the tournament and won many admirers with an adventurous playing style" that took them to the semifinals, while the Wallabies "exceeded most expectations to qualify for the final just 12 months after Michael Cheika was appointed to the coaching job." A meeting in Australia last week agreed to a proposal by Argentina to move its Rugby Championships fixture against the Wallabies on Oct. 8 to Twickenham, "where it is expected to be a huge money spinner" for the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR). The venue change is "also likely to suit the Wallabies" as they play the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Oct. 1 and there are "no direct flights between South Africa and Argentina." The two-hour time difference between Pretoria and London is also favorable "compared to the five hours between South Africa and Argentina." While the Pumas are giving up a home Test to play in London, UAR President Carlos Araujo said the opportunity to host a game at Twickenham "was too good to refuse." Araujo: "Taking a home fixture to Twickenham and London is very important for the UAR and for Argentine rugby. For our team to play a home fixture at such an extraordinary stadium says everything about the standing of our side in the rugby world." The Test at Twickenham will be the final match of the Rugby Championships, which begin on Aug. 20 at ANZ Stadium with a re-match of the World Cup final between the Wallabies and All Blacks (SMH, 1/25).
