After a false start that triggered a trans-Tasman war of words, the third Bledisloe Cup Test has finally been confirmed for September 5 in Perth.
The match had been scheduled for this Saturday at Optus Stadium but the All Blacks pulled out last Friday, citing a lack of certainty around the remainder of the Rugby Championship calendar.
But with those games now locked in for Queensland, the All Blacks were set to fly to Perth this evening for what will be a Sunday afternoon clash in the west (2pm local time, 4pm AEST).
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Only 2000 tickets remain unsold for the match after the All Blacks comfortably won the first two Bledisloe Tests and the Wallabies eye the Rugby Championship instead.
The Wallabies had a memorable win over the All Blacks at Optus Stadium in 2019.
“It’s fantastic on all fronts to have the opportunity for the Wallabies to play at this iconic stadium again, and entertain the Perth public that have embraced them so warmly over the past two weeks,” Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said.
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“From speaking with the Wallabies team, they are desperate to put on a great show for the Perth community – and confirming this Test is great news for them and the fans in Western Australia.
“We look forward to welcoming the All Blacks to Australia for this match, which is the start of a rugby celebration in our country…
“For any ticketholder that had purchased for the previous date, your ticket be automatically transferred to the new date. If you now can’t make it, you will be offered the opportunity for a full refund.”
Both teams will be understrength because of expectant fathers.
Captain Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga did not make the trip from New Zealand as they stay home on baby watch while two Wallabies stars are in the same boat.
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