Wallabies star backs overdue Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup first after New Zealand endorsement

Fraser McReight isn't sure why the Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test, slated to debut next year, isn't already on the rugby calendar.

Murray Wenzel
AAP
Bledisloe Cup rugby is set to become a feature of Anzac Day. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
Bledisloe Cup rugby is set to become a feature of Anzac Day. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Wallabies star Fraser McReight has backed Brisbane to host an overdue Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test as the concept nears reality.

The hyped fixture, a long-term vision of Rugby Australia, appears a formality now that fresh New Zealand Rugby (NZR) leadership have warmed to the idea.

It’s understood Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and Optus Stadium in Perth are jostling for hosting rights of a fixture that would return the Bledisloe Cup to a three-Test series and produce a reported $10 million to be split between the unions.

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It would likely shift Super Round, wildly successful in its Christchurch debut over the Anzac Day weekend last month, to a later date in 2027 as part of a restructured domestic season.

An extra Bledisloe Cup Test would favour the Wallabies, who haven’t held the trophy since 2002 and been unable to win both Tests since it became a two-game duel in 2022.

“It’s such an awesome thing that rugby has the ability to do,” McReight said.

“Look at AFL and NRL, they have such big crowds for that weekend and just with Australian teams.

Tane Edmed of the Wallabies and Will Jordan of the All Blacks compete for a high ball.
Tane Edmed of the Wallabies and Will Jordan of the All Blacks compete for a high ball. Credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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“We have that unique opportunity to have a special event.

“Why not Brisbane ... Sydney (NRL), Melbourne (AFL) have huge events that day and Brisbane doesn’t and we have a fantastic stadium.”

Whether Super Rugby Pacific pauses, or plays around the Test akin to NRL and State of Origin, is a point of conjecture.

But McReight is happy to negotiate the disruption, understanding of the buzz it would generate.

With only Australian-based players available for selection, it would also provide an early look at Les Kiss’s Wallabies side before the World Cup later in the year.

“I don’t know what that new (Super Rugby) comp looks like, but you have to work around it and get that game committed,” McReight said.

New Zealand perform a haka during The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup.
New Zealand perform a haka during The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup. Credit: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

“It would mean a lot. Words can’t really describe about how much it would mean for us and the Kiwis.

“Not just for the players, but the fans. A game in April, when you still have two months of Super Rugby left afterwards .. how exciting.

“Guys are going to be playing for their (Test) spots and then coming back to Super Rugby after this awesome weekend, it’s going to be challenging but really cool.”

Chiefs and All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea, who will line up against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, said there would be organic support from his side of the Tasman.

“To have a Test in the middle of the season, would be good for both nations and cool to be a part of,” he said.

“There’s a lot of Kiwis over here as well and we still feel a lot of that support.”

NZR on Thursday confirmed Steve Lancaster’s appointment as chief executive after serving in an interim capacity.

Members of the NZR board met with their Australian counterparts in Christchurch during Super Round, when discussions around the Anzac Day Test grew legs.

New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who coached the Wallabies, is also reportedly in favour of the concept.

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