All Blacks set for mid-week game in first Bledisloe Cup clash against Wallabies

Noelyn Espinosa April 30, 2022May 18, 2022 sports

On an unknown day, the All Blacks’ quest to win the Bledisloe Cup for the 20th straight year will begin. In an undetermined match, All Blacks and Wallabies will face off. The opening match of the two-Test series is likely to take place on Thursday. September 15, due to a potential conflict with the NRL and AFL finals..

The test held in Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will be the first time the Bledisloe Cup has been playing on a weekday since 1994. When Wallabies running back George Gregan famously made a winning tackle on the All-Star wing. Jeff Wilson of the Blacks, in the final minutes.

The game early scheduled to take place on Saturday night. Still, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rugby Australia suggested the time change this week and obtained approval from New Zealand Rugby. Alterations prompted the shift to the Rugby Championship calendar this year. Which saw the two regular Bledisloe Cup matches relocated from August to mid-September.

The NRL and AFL finals were held during the month, causing a conflict with Australia’s other oval ball leagues. The Bledisloe Cup Test retain in Melbourne, and Rugby Australia legally bound to play. Covid-19 limits precluded an agreement to play there in 2020.

The All Blacks and Wallabies

The All Blacks and Wallabies both had the previous weekend off. So there won’t be any worries about players having to make a quick transition. Nine days later, the Bledisloe Cup’s second test will retain on September 24 at Eden Park.

The AFL preliminary final, including the Melbourne Demons. It will held at the MCG on September 17, while the Melbourne Storm could play in an NRL semi-final at AAMI Park on September 19. After such a jam-packed weekend of sports in Victoria’s capital, rugby authorities were concerned about ticket sales and local fan engagement.

According to SMH, due to the AFL and NRL finals retaining on the same day. Rugby Australia is compelling to postpone the Bledisloe Cup contest to midweek for the first time in 28 years.