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The Wallabies’ Eden Park graveyard is set to be filled with All Blacks fans after the New Zealand government announced it would lift restrictions on the Auckland ground.
The Australians haven’t won in 34 years at the All Blacks’ fortress – the last time in 1986 skippered by Andrew Slack.
Dunedin had been placed on stand-by as a back-up venue for the October 18 Test after an outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland meant restrictions in the harbour city.
However New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern on Monday gave Auckland the green light.
That brings the city into line with the rest of the country and allows Eden Park to host the Test match with no restrictions on crowd size.
New Zealand Rugby general manager Chris Lendrum said it was great news to confirm the fixture in Auckland after the cancellation of two big domestic matches there.
“Auckland fans missed out on both the North versus South match last month and the Blues versus Crusaders match so this is positive news that they will be able to enjoy Test match rugby,” Lendrum said in a statement.
“With only two opportunities to watch the All Blacks play in New Zealand this year, and both matches being on Sunday afternoons, we are sure fans will enjoy both occasions.”
The first Test will be played in Wellington this Sunday, with 28,000 tickets sold in the 34,500 capacity venue.
© AAP
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.