The New Zealanders were undefeated in last year’s competition, which was known as the Tri-Nations before Argentina joined in 2012, and remain the top-ranked team in international rugby.

But England proved in December that the world champions are not invincible and the Wallabies, who will be battle-hardened after hosting the British and Irish Lions, will gunning for an upset.

Argentina, who are yet to win a Rugby Championship Test, but managed a 16-16 draw against South Africa in August, open their campaign against the Springboks in Bloemfontein.

The competition will feature six rounds.

Fixtures for the 2013 Rugby Championship (kick-off times yet to be confirmed).

Round 1 (Aug 17)  Sydney  Australia v New Zealand  Bloemfontein  South Africa v Argentina 

Round 2 (Aug 24)  Wellington  New Zealand v Australia  Mendoza  Argentina v South Africa 

Round 3 (Sept 7)  Brisbane  Australia v South Africa  Hamilton  New Zealand v Argentina 

Round 4 (Sept 14)  Perth  Australia v Argentina  Auckland  New Zealand v South Africa 

Round 5 (Sept 28)  Cape Town  South Africa v Australia  La Plata  Argentina v New Zealand 

Round 6 (Oct 5)  Johannesburg  South Africa v New Zealand  Rosario  Argentina v Australia 

Note: Teams awarded four points for a win, two for a draw, and one for scoring at least four tries in a match or losing by fewer than eight points.