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We’ve got the final that most Aussies wanted – and I suspect quite a few Kiwis are rather keen on this battle as well.
With the Webb Ellis Cup being up for grabs, stalwarts making their final World Cup appearances, the winner being the first to three World Cup titles and therefore keep the trophy, it should be enough for any rugby fan.
But I’m greedy.
The Wallabies and All Blacks have met twice this year, and the men in black legitimately retained the Bledisloe.
It is probably just because I am an Australian, but wouldn’t it be great if Steve Hansen and his men put the Bledisloe Cup on the line as well?
They have no reason to, except that it would add more pressure to the occasion and the All Blacks would probably back themselves to handle that better. But gee, wouldn’t it add even more to the battle if Lord Bledisloe’s vessel was on the line as well.
I can see the arguments against, World Rugby might feel it distracts from their pinnacle trophy and New Zealand have no need to put it at risk until next year.
But at one-all over the course of the year, both teams winning at home, and Australia not having held it in so, so very long, it seems like a missed trick if we don’t have one more Bledisloe battle, on neutral ground and on the biggest stage of all.
It might add some unnecessary extra spice, but this rugby fan would love to see ‘Bill’ and the Bleddie sitting side by side in the bleachers with the winner taking all.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.