New Zealand will play archrival Australia in the first of two consecutive games at The Rugby Championship. The New Zealand All Blacks, who have just suffered two straight losses to the Springboks, will have a good opportunity to vent their resentment on the Australia Wallabies this coming week.
During the first of their two consecutive games, the three-losing teams will play for the Bledisloe Cup, which is the last trophy that either side may win at this year’s Rugby Championship.
The rugby rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is one of the most intense and historic in the world, particularly in the context of the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship competitions. Here’s a breakdown of this iconic rivalry.
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How To Watch New Zealand All Blacks Vs Australia Rugby
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New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Schedule 2024
- Saturday, July 6 – New Zealand All Blacks 16, England 15
- Saturday, July 13 – New Zealand All Blacks 24, England 17
- Friday, July 19 – New Zealand All Blacks 47, Fiji 5
- Saturday, August 10 – New Zealand 30, Argentina 38
- Saturday, August 17 – New Zealand All Blacks 42, Argentina 10
- Saturday, August 31 – Springboks 31, New Zealand 27
- Saturday, September 7 – Springboks 18, New Zealand 12
- Saturday, September 21 – Australia vs New Zealand All Blacks – 1:45 a.m. ET
- Saturday, September 28 – New Zealand All Blacks vs. Australia – 3:05 a.m. ET
- Friday, October 25 – Japan vs. New Zealand All Blacks – TBD
- Saturday, November 2 – England vs. New Zealand All Blacks – 11:10 a.m. ET
- Friday, November 8 – Ireland vs. New Zealand All Blacks – 3:10 p.m. ET
- Saturday, November 16 – France vs. New Zealand All Blacks – 3:10 p.m. ET
- Saturday, November 23 – Italy vs. New Zealand All Blacks – 3:10 p.m. ET
1. Bledisloe Cup
- Origins: The Bledisloe Cup, named after Lord Bledisloe, a former Governor-General of New Zealand, was first contested in 1931. It is the most coveted rugby trophy between New Zealand and Australia.
- Format: Traditionally, the cup is contested annually in a series of two or three matches. Whichever nation wins the majority of those games claims the cup.
- New Zealand’s Dominance: New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, has had the upper hand historically, winning the vast majority of Bledisloe Cup contests. Australia’s Wallabies have occasionally wrestled the trophy away but have struggled to keep it over long periods.
- Recent History: As of the past decade, the All Blacks have dominated, often sweeping the series. Australia last won the cup in 2002, but every match is fiercely competitive, regardless of the overall record.
2. The Rugby Championship
- Format: Along with South Africa and Argentina, New Zealand and Australia also compete annually in the Rugby Championship. Before Argentina’s inclusion in 2012, the tournament was known as the Tri-Nations.
- Head-to-Head: New Zealand has historically performed better in the Rugby Championship, frequently winning the tournament. Matches between the All Blacks and Wallabies in this context are usually high-stakes games and often determine the fate of the Bledisloe Cup as well.
3. Key Matches and Moments
- 1986 Wallabies Win: One of Australia’s proudest rugby moments came in 1986, when they won the Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand, a rare feat.
- 2000 Sydney Test: Often regarded as one of the greatest rugby matches ever played, the All Blacks won 39-35 after a last-minute try by Jonah Lomu. This match is still remembered for its incredible pace, intensity, and high skill levels.
- 2015 Rugby World Cup Final: New Zealand defeated Australia 34-17 to win their third Rugby World Cup. This final showcased the dominance of the All Blacks at the global level, although Australia gave a spirited fight.
4. Playing Style
- New Zealand (All Blacks): Known for their fast-paced, aggressive style of rugby, the All Blacks excel in broken play, using quick ball movement, tactical kicking, and a relentless attacking mentality. Their fitness, skills, and depth of talent set them apart.
- Australia (Wallabies): The Wallabies, while not as dominant as New Zealand, are known for their flair, tactical kicking, and strong backs. Historically, they’ve been innovative in their gameplay and have produced some of rugby’s greatest players.
5. Rugby Icons
- New Zealand Legends: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jonah Lomu, and more recently, Beauden Barrett, are some of the names that have defined New Zealand rugby.
- Australian Greats: Australia has produced legends like John Eales, George Gregan, David Campese, and more recently, Michael Hooper and Israel Folau.
6. Cultural Significance
- Rugby in New Zealand is more than just a sport; it’s a part of the national identity. The All Blacks are revered, and the haka, the traditional Māori war dance performed before matches, is a powerful symbol of pride and unity.
- In Australia, rugby competes with other sports like cricket and Australian rules football, but the Wallabies are still one of the nation’s beloved teams, particularly in the rugby heartlands like Sydney and Brisbane.
7. Recent Developments
- The competition between these two teams continues to evolve, with Australia investing in youth development and bringing in overseas players in hopes of challenging New Zealand’s dominance.
- New Zealand, while still formidable, has seen moments of vulnerability in recent years, and Australia aims to capitalize on any opportunity to dethrone the All Blacks in future series and tournaments.
The New Zealand vs Australia rugby rivalry is not just about winning and losing it’s a reflection of the sporting cultures of both nations, and every match between these two powerhouses captures the attention of rugby fans worldwide.