Bledisloe Cup

Bledisloe Cup

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Wikipedia - Bledisloe Cup

The Bledisloe Cup is an annual rugby union competition originally staged between the national teams of Australia's Wallabies and New Zealand's All Blacks that has been contested since the 1930s. The frequency that the competition is held has varied, as has the number of matches played in each tournament, but it currently consists of an annual three-match series, reduced to a two-match series in World Cup years, with two of the matches counting towards The Rugby Championship. New Zealand have had the most success, winning the trophy in 2023 for the 51st time and 21st in succession (excluding the disputed inaugural competition in 1931), while Australia have won the trophy 12 times.

History

Semantics plays a role in the issue when was the inaugural Bledisloe Cup match played. The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contend that the one-off 1931 match played at Eden Park was first. The only record of a match taking place is recorded in the minutes of a New Zealand union management meeting several days later that Lord Bledisloe wished to present a cup for the All Blacks and Wallabies competition. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) believe that the first match was when New Zealand toured Australia in 1932.

Between 1931 and 1981, the Bledisloe Cup was contested irregularly in the course of rugby tours between the two countries, with New Zealand winning it nineteen times and Australia four times. In 1949, Australia won the competition for the first time on New Zealand soil. The trophy itself was apparently 'lost' during this period and reportedly rediscovered in a Melbourne store room. It was contested annually from 1982 to 1995, sometimes as a series of three matches (two in 1995) and other times in a single match. During these years, New Zealand won the trophy eleven times and Australia three times.

Since 1996, the cup has been contested as part of the annual Tri Nations tournament. Until 1998, the cup was contested in a three-match series consisting of the two Tri Nations matches between the two sides and a third match. New Zealand won the series in 1996 and 1997, and Australia won it in 1998.

In 1996, and from 1999 through 2005, the third match was not played; during these years, Australia and New Zealand played each other twice as part of the Tri Nations for the cup. If the two teams won one game each, or if both games were drawn, the cup was retained by its current holder. The non-holder needed to win the two games 2–0 or 1–0 (with a draw) to regain the cup. A criticism of this system was that, with the two sides being very well matched in ability level, it was very common for the teams to win one game each and many rugby fans were dissatisfied with one team keeping the cup in the years when the series was tied at 1–1 (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004).

In 2006, the Tri Nations series was extended so that each team played each other three times, meaning a return of the three-game contest for the Bledisloe Cup. However, the cup reverted to the two-game contest in 2007 because the Tri Nations was abbreviated that year to minimise interference with the teams' preparations for the World Cup.

The three-match format for the Bledisloe Cup continued in 2012, with the first two matches taking place as part of the 2012 Rugby Championship.

The Bledisloe Cup is an annual rugby union tournament held between the national teams of Australia and New Zealand. Named after Lord Bledisloe, the former Governor-General of New Zealand, the tournament has a rich history dating back to 1931.

The Bledisloe Cup is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated rugby events in the Southern Hemisphere. It is contested as part of the Rugby Championship, which also includes South Africa and Argentina. The tournament consists of a series of matches played between Australia's Wallabies and New Zealand's All Blacks.

Known for its intense rivalry, the Bledisloe Cup showcases the best of rugby union between these two nations. The matches are characterized by high-intensity gameplay, physicality, and exceptional skill levels. The teams battle it out on the field, displaying their tactical prowess, speed, and strength in pursuit of victory.

The Bledisloe Cup is not only a significant sporting event but also a symbol of trans-Tasman rivalry and pride. The trophy itself is a symbol of excellence and is highly coveted by both teams. The tournament has witnessed some memorable moments and fierce encounters over the years, creating a legacy that adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding each match.

Matches in the Bledisloe Cup are held in various stadiums across Australia and New Zealand, with each country hosting alternate years. The atmosphere in these stadiums is electric, with passionate fans filling the stands, creating an incredible atmosphere that adds to the spectacle of the tournament.

The Bledisloe Cup is not just about the competition between two rugby powerhouses; it also represents the shared history and cultural ties between Australia and New Zealand. It brings together fans from both nations, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Overall, the Bledisloe Cup is a thrilling rugby union tournament that showcases the best of Australian and New Zealand rugby. It is a celebration of skill, passion, and national pride, making it a must-watch event for rugby enthusiasts around the world.