Three-game Bledisloe Cup series looms as new deal struck

The Wallabies are set to play two Bledisloe Cup Tests at the MCG in a matter of years, fuelling hopes that one of rugby union's biggest rivalries could be permanently returning to a three-game series.

Rugby Australia struck a multi-year deal with the Victorian government which secures Melbourne to host the Wallabies and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in 2027 and an additional Bledisloe Cup Test in 2029.

It comes as Lang Park in Brisbane is set to stage the first Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test next April, which sets up a three-match series between the bitter rivals for the first time since 2021.

Whether a three-game series would persist beyond next year has been a hot question exercising pundits.

But Monday's announcement of an additional Test in Melbourne in 2029 will very much boost optimism that a permanent three-game Bledisloe Cup series could return.

That is because Brisbane has also secured the rights for the 2029 Anzac Day Test along with the 2031 instalment.

RA officials were coy on whether the announcement was a signal for a return to full-time three-Test series, and were unsure if 2028 would be similar to 2027 considering no Anzac Day Test has been announced.

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

In 2026, they were utterly humiliated by the All Blacks, conceding a mammoth 93 points across the two games, which dealt coach Les Kiss a harsh reality check ahead of next year's home Rugby World Cup.

Regardless of the three-Test speculation, having a Bledisloe Cup Test at the MCG next July is set to be a stellar moment for the sport in Australia as it ramps up preparations for the World Cup.

The Wallabies last played the All Blacks at the MCG in 2023, where a crowd of 83,944 filled the historic ground, which was the largest rugby attendance in more than 20 years at the time.

Last year, 90,307 watched the Australians' second Test against the British & Irish Lions, breaking the Lions' all-time crowd record.

"The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the world's great stadiums — and a jewel in Australia's sporting crown — and the Wallabies are proud to be hosting the All Blacks at the iconic venue in 2027," RA chief executive Phil Waugh said.

"The Wallabies and All Blacks have played only four previous Test matches at the MCG, and this Bledisloe Cup encounter will mark 30 years since both teams took to the hallowed turf for the first time.

"The Wallabies and All Blacks have won two Tests apiece at the 'G and another enthralling contest awaits next year."

Australia will also meet the All Blacks at least one more time in 2027 when they face off in their second Pool A match of the Rugby World Cup at Sydney's Olympic stadium.