Thursday 15 October 2026
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Wallabies and All Blacks set for MCG Bledisloe blockbuster in 2027

Rugby Australia and Victorian government in final negotiations for 90,000-plus crowd at Melbourne Cricket Ground

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Plans are underway for a blockbuster Bledisloe Cup clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2027, as Rugby Australia and the Victorian government finalise negotiations for a Test that could draw more than 90,000 fans. The match would be the second Test of a three-game series, bolstering what is already seen as Australia's best chance in years to end New Zealand's 24-year hold on the trophy.

The Bledisloe Cup series will return to three Tests in 2027 for the first time since 2021, following the addition of an inaugural Anzac Day Test at Suncorp Stadium. In an unusual twist, the second Test will also be played in Australia on July 31, as part of a full Rugby Championship schedule in the World Cup year.

Informed sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to commercial sensitivities, said Rugby Australia and the Victorian government are in the final stages of negotiations for the MCG to host that second Test. Previous Wallabies fixtures at the ground have drawn huge crowds: 83,944 against New Zealand in 2023 and 90,302 for the British and Irish Lions series in 2025.

The Bledisloe Cup has already been retained by the All Blacks for the 24th straight year after their 50-19 win at Eden Park in October 2026. Saturday's second Test of the current two-match series will be played at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Rugby Australia is expected to confirm the MCG fixture later this year, capitalising on the venue's capacity and Melbourne's appetite for major rugby events as the Wallabies build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • A Bledisloe Cup Test at the MCG would be one of the largest rugby crowds in Australia, boosting the sport's profile and revenue.
  • For the Wallabies, the 2027 schedule (with both the Anzac Day Test and a second home game) offers a rare advantage against the All Blacks, who have dominated the series for 24 years.
  • The Victorian government's involvement signals ongoing investment in major sporting events, with potential economic benefits for Melbourne.

Background

The Bledisloe Cup is an annual trans-Tasman series between Australia and New Zealand, traditionally comprising two or three Tests. New Zealand has held the trophy since 2003. The 2027 series will be played in a World Cup year, but the later start date of the tournament allows a full Rugby Championship schedule. The MCG has hosted Wallabies Tests in recent years, drawing record crowds.

Key Perspectives

Rugby Australia and Victorian government: Seeking to capitalise on Melbourne's appetite for major rugby events and secure a blockbuster fixture that drives ticket sales and tourism. Wallabies and fans: The prospect of a home test in front of a massive crowd offers a morale boost and a genuine opportunity to break the drought. All Blacks: The New Zealand side will face a hostile crowd, but their recent dominance suggests they will enter the match as strong favourites regardless of venue.

What to Watch

  • Official confirmation of the MCG fixture, expected later in 2026 or early 2027.
  • Crowd numbers and ticket demand, which will signal the health of rugby interest in Australia.
  • Wallabies performance in the lead-up to 2027, particularly in the 2027 Rugby Championship.
  • Any impact of the World Cup schedule on player availability and preparation.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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