The first Bledisloe Cup Test between the Wallabies and All Blacks this Thursday night at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne is a sell-out.
It is the second consecutive sold-out Wallabies Test, after the first international event at the new Allianz Stadium in Sydney was sold out 11 days ago.
The match is the first of a two-leg Bledisloe Cup tie, with the Wallabies needing to win the Melbourne clash, as well as the return bout in Auckland on 24 September if they are to wrestle back the famous trophy for the first time in 20 years.
One of sport’s most intense rivalries, the first Test between the nations was played in 1903, with the Bledisloe Cup first put on the line in 1932.
Both teams also have a strong chance of taking out The eToro Rugby Championship. After four rounds, all four nations – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina – have each won two matches, ensuring a tight final two rounds.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos, says the second consecutive Wallabies sell-out demonstrates the passion for the Wallabies, and the history and tradition of the Bledisloe Cup rivalry.
“The Wallabies are Australia’s team, and to bring a Bledisloe Cup match to Melbourne in the middle of footy finals and sell out Marvel Stadium really shows that to be true,” said Mr Marinos.
“Melbourne is famous for its love of sport, and of big sporting events, and it is clear that Victorians love to get behind their Australian teams on the biggest international stages.
“Rugby Australia must thank the Victorian government and Visit Victoria for their support in bringing the Bledisloe Cup back to Melbourne for the first time since 2010.
“They have been enthusiastic supporters of Rugby with continual investment into our systems and clubs alongside these marquee events, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them throughout our upcoming Golden Decade of Australian Rugby.
“Thursday night’s sell out will see us record our largest combined attendance for Wallaby matches in a season since the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.
“I am sure that a 50,000-strong Gold Army will play a huge role in lifting the Wallabies in Melbourne.”
