{
  "id": 16554724,
  "title": "Three-game Bledisloe Cup series looms as new deal struck",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/three-game-bledisloe-cup-series-looms-as-new-deal-struck",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T03:39:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-26/three-game-bledisloe-cup-series-looms-as-new-deal-struck/107309132"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Wallabies will face off against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2027 and 2029, as per a recent deal signed between Rugby Australia and the Victorian government. While the deal doesn't guarantee a permanent expansion of the Bledisloe Cup to a three-game series, the 2029 Test in Melbourne will be an additional fixture in the series. This year's MCG Test in July will precede the Rugby World Cup, where both teams will also play against each other in the group stage.\n\nThis development comes after Brisbane will host the first Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test next April, setting up a potential three-match series between the rivals for the first time since 2021. Whether the permanent three-Test series will continue beyond 2029 remains a topic of speculation among pundits. However, the announcement of an additional Test in Melbourne for 2029 has boosted optimism about a permanent return of the three-Test series.\n\nThe Wallabies have not won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002 and have failed to secure both Tests since the rivalry became a two-game affair in 2022. Their humiliation by the All Blacks in 2026, where they conceded a staggering 93 points, further highlights the significance of these upcoming clashes. The Wallabies last played the All Blacks at the MCG in 2023, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 83,944, the largest rugby attendance in over 20 years.\n\nRugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh expressed pride in hosting the All Blacks at the iconic ground in 2027, noting that it will mark 30 years since both teams played their first Test at the venue. The Wallabies and All Blacks have previously faced each other four times at the MCG, with both teams winning two Tests each.",
  "summary": "The Wallabies will take on the All Blacks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of the Rugby Championship in 2027, along with an additional Test in 2029.",
  "key_points": [
    "Wallabies to play New Zealand at MCG in 2027 and 2029",
    "2029 Melbourne Test adds to potential three-Test series",
    "Brisbane to host first Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test in April"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding the schedule with Melbourne fixtures signals a strategic effort to revitalize the rivalry and leverage large stadium crowds to rebuild momentum for the struggling Wallabies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}