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Bledisloe Cup 2023

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 27: Richie Mounga and Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks look on after drawing the 2019 Rugby Championship Test Match between New Zealand and South Africa at Westpac Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Welcome to The Roar’s comprehensive coverage of the Bledisloe Cup.

The pinnacle of Trans-Tasman sport, the Bledisloe Cup is one of the most revered trophies in world rugby. Contested each year between Australia and New Zealand, it has seen some classic encounters and has cultivated one of the greatest international rugby rivalries.

The series will only be two-Test Matches from 2022 until at least 2025.

History

The history of the Bledisloe Cup dates back to 1931, when New Zealand’s governor-general, Lord Bledisloe, donated the trophy for the two nations to compete for. New Zealand won the initial encounter in a 20-13 victory in Auckland, and it wasn’t until 1934 that Australia got their hands on the trophy.

While the Bledisloe Cup is now an annual instalment, it wasn’t until 1982 that the two countries agreed to contest the trophy on a yearly basis. The arrival of the Tri-Nations tournament ensured the Wallabies and All Blacks would face off at least twice a year – the series had previously varied anywhere between one and five matches long.

Overall, New Zealand hold a huge advantage in total Bledisloe titles with 48 to Australia’s 12 – including the last 16 in a row.

Australia last tasted Bledisloe success in 2002, which was actually their fifth title in a row.

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Recent Series

2023

The All Blacks secured the cup for the 21st straight year, smashing the Wallabies 38-7 at the MCG in Game 1, the first time either side had played at the ground since 2007.

They were pushed far harder in Game 2 in Dunedin, the Wallabies scoring twice in the first six minutes but unable to hold on, with the All Blacks hitting back hard in the second half to win 23-20 courtesy of a last-gasp Richie Mo’unga penalty.

2023 Bledisloe Cup

Result Venue Date Time Broadcast
First Test
NZL 38, AUS 7
MCG Sat Jul 29 7:45pm Nine, Stan Sport
First Test
NZL 23, AUS 20
Forsyth Barr Stadium Sat Aug 5 12:35pm Nine, Stan Sport

2022

The 2022 series began with major controversy, with a last-second penalty from referee Mathieu Raynal against Wallabies number 10 Bernard Foley for delaying a kick into touch that would have sealed a famous victory letting the All Blacks in for the game-winning try at the last gasp.

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Having secured the Bledisloe Cup, the All Blacks dominated the second match at Eden Park to make it five consecutive Test wins over the Wallabies.

2022 Bledisloe Cup

Result Venue Date Time Broadcast
First Test
NZL 39, AUS 37
Marvel Stadium Thur Sep 15 7:45pm Nine, Stan Sport
Second Test
NZL 40, AUS 14
Eden Park Sat Sep 24 5:05pm Nine, Stan Sport

2021

The All Blacks were able to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 19th consecutive series with a clean-sweep, though were advantaged by the first two matches being played at their Eden Park fortress due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel restrictions.

They withstood a fierce Wallabies fight to win the first game 33-25, then dominated the second 57-22 and clinched a series sweep 38-21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

2021 Bledisloe Cup

Result Venue Date Time Broadcast
First Test
NZL 33, AUS 25
Eden Park Sat August 7 5:05pm Nine, Stan Sport
Second Test
NZL 57, AUS 22
Eden Park Sat August 14 5:05pm Nine, Stan Sport
Third Test
NZL 38, AUS 21
Optus Stadium Sun September 5 4pm Nine, Stan Sport

2020
The 2020 series was a four-Test series, with New Zealand having wrapped up an 18th-straight series win after taking a 2-0 lead. After a 16-6 draw in Game 1, the All Blacks won Game 2 27-7 and Game 3 43-5 to secure the cup once more. The series wrapped up in Brisbane, with Australia winning the final game 24-22.

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2020 Bledisloe Cup matches

Date Result Venue
Oct 10 16-6 Sky Stadium, Wellington
Oct 17 NZ 27-7 Eden Park, Auckland
Oct 31 AUS 5-43 NZ ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Nov 7 AUS 24-22 NZ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

2019
It was a familiar tale of hope and disappointment for the Wallabies last year, recording an amazing win in the series opener only to be wiped off the park in Game 2.

The Australians hosted the All Blacks at Optus Stadium for the first time ever in the first Test and set a record score of 47 against the Kiwis, victorious by 21 points.

However, the All Blacks were simply unstoppable the following week in Game 2, winning 36-0 and, as reigning champions, retaining the trophy after a 1-1 drawn series.

2019 Bledisloe Cup matches

Date Result Venue
Aug 10 AUS 47-26 NZ Optus Stadium, Perth
Aug 17 NZ 36-0 AUS Eden Park, Auckland
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