As the much-anticipated Bledisloe Cup approaches, rugby fans are gearing up for another thrilling encounter between the All Blacks and the Wallabies at the iconic Eden Park. This match marks the 180th meeting between these two storied rivals. With the All Blacks requiring just eight more points to reach the remarkable milestone of 4000 points against Australia, it stands as the first rugby team to achieve such a feat against an opponent. In this fierce rivalry, only Australia has managed to score over 2000 points against another side, highlighting the competitive nature that defines these encounters.
Eden Park holds a particular significance, as the Wallabies have not defeated the All Blacks there since 1986, enduring a 22-test losing streak at this venue. The Wallabies, however, have had success at Eden Park, notably defeating Wales during the 2011 Rugby World Cup to claim the bronze.
Looking back over their competitive history, the All Blacks have secured victory in 126 of the 179 confrontations, while the Wallabies have won 45 times, with eight matches ending in a draw. In their most recent face-off, the All Blacks dominated Australia 33-13 at Sky Stadium in September 2024.
The All Blacks will step onto the field with a formidable lineup, led by captain Ardie Savea and featuring seasoned players like Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan. Similarly, the Wallabies are set to challenge them with a dynamic team led by captain Harry Wilson, supported by experienced campaigners such as James Slipper and Len Ikitau.
Andrea Piardi from Italy will referee the match, bringing his experience to this high-stakes game. The match promises to deliver intense action and excitement, with both teams eager to make their mark on this historic rivalry.
For those eager to follow the game, live commentary will be available on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio, along with live updates on nzherald.co.nz. The thrilling match will be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 and can be streamed live via Sky Sport Now. As rugby fans across the globe tune in, expectation runs high for another classic chapter in the storied history of the Bledisloe Cup.