The Bledisloe Cup and Anzac Day: A New Rivalry?
Rugby Australia is making a bold move to secure a place in one of the most significant days on the Australian sporting calendar. The organisation is close to finalising a deal to host an Anzac Day match against New Zealand as part of a return to an annual three-Test series between the Trans-Tasman rivals. This potential fixture, which could take place on Anzac Day or the night before, marks a significant shift in the landscape of Australian sports.
For decades, the Anzac period has been dominated by the AFL and NRL, with massive crowds gathering at iconic venues like the MCG and Allianz Stadium for matches such as Essendon-Collingwood and Roosters-Dragons. However, rugby union is now aiming to carve out its own space during this time, believing that an annual Bledisloe Cup clash would attract both large crowds and a significant television audience.
Fraser McReight, a Wallabies star, expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, stating, “It’s such an awesome thing that rugby union has the ability to do.” He highlighted the success of the NRL and AFL in drawing massive crowds during the Anzac weekend, noting that these events are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the country. “Look at NRL, you look at AFL – they have such big crowds for that weekend and they’re just Australian teams and Anzac are Australia and New Zealand.”
McReight also emphasized the significance of the opportunity, saying, “Words can’t really describe about how much it would mean for us and the Kiwis. We have that unique opportunity to have a special event.”
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar shares this sentiment, calling the potential Anzac Test “an unbelievable spectacle” and expressing his support for the initiative. “As a game we’ve got to continue to think outside the square,” he said. “What we saw in Christchurch a couple of weeks ago (Super Rugby round) shows what we can do as a sport when we all get together. The Anzac Test would be an unbelievable event.”
Despite these positive sentiments, not everyone is convinced. Peter V’Landys, the boss of the NRL, has downplayed the significance of the move, suggesting that rugby union’s attempt to join the Anzac Day tradition is not a threat to the dominance of rugby league. “I’m not concerned whatsoever. They should play it at night to help people sleep,” he told Yahoo Sport Australia. “Rugby league has been doing it for decades and dominating eyeballs.”
V’Landys, known for his competitive nature, seems unimpressed by the proposal, highlighting the long-standing presence of rugby league on Anzac Day.
Rugby Australia is likely to avoid direct competition with the NRL in Sydney, instead opting to host the inaugural Anzac Day clash in either Perth or Brisbane. This strategic decision aims to tap into different markets while avoiding the intense rivalry in the heart of the NRL’s stronghold.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster confirmed that an Anzac Bledisloe Cup match is firmly on the agenda for 2027 after years of resistance from the Kiwis. “I am happy to confirm we are talking about it and we did discuss it with our board, but we’re not in a position to disclose what was discussed,” he said. “It is a possibility for next year (but) there’s still quite a bit to work through with Rugby Australia.”
This development signals a potential shift in the dynamics of international rugby, with the Bledisloe Cup set to take on a new dimension. Whether this move will ultimately succeed remains to be seen, but it is clear that rugby union is determined to stake its claim on one of the most revered days in Australian sports.
