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A landmark Anzac Bledisloe Cup Test between the Wallabies and All Blacks is on the brink of approval, signaling a dramatic shift in New Zealand Rugby's stance. This clash promises to reshape the rugby landscape in April 2024, amid the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Reports indicate that NZ Rugby is now “almost certain” to greenlight the match, with a board meeting scheduled for May 14 to finalize the decision. This event marks a return to the three-Test Bledisloe Cup series, which was last held in 2021. Initially proposed by Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, the idea faced rejection from former NZR chief Mark Robinson.
However, following Robinson's departure, the perspective has changed. Dave Rennie, the new head coach, sees the April international as a valuable opportunity for Rugby World Cup preparations later that year in Australia. Rennie’s belief contrasts with Robinson's previous concerns over commercial viability, which included doubts about a successful financial model for a home-and-away series.
With constructive discussions ongoing between Rugby Australia and NZ Rugby, this potential test not only honors the Anzac spirit but also positions rugby as a unique showcase of trans-Tasman rivalry.
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