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New Zealand won their last game against Australia in Eden Park on August 14 hammering the Wallabies 57-22 to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
The All Blacks were scheduled to play another dead rubber match in Perth on August 28 but the game has been postponed to Sep 5.
New Zealand Rugby informed Rugby Australia that they would be unable to play the scheduled game on Aug 28 and it created tensions between the two organizations.
However they managed to work things out and schedule a new fixture at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sep 5.
Fans should take note that this game will start at 2 pm local time and will be the first time since 1996 that the All Blacks are playing the Wallabies in a day game.
Rugby fans will not mind the early start but for the record it wasn’t what Rugby Australia wanted. The AFL already had rights to the Optus Stadium with a game scheduled for either Friday or Saturday.
This left Rugby Australia with no option other than to choose a Sunday day game. Fans who bought tickets for the Aug 28 clashed have had their tickets automatically transferred for the Sep 5 game.
All Blacks Are Without Top Players
The All Blacks won back-to-back games within a 7 day period to take a 2-0 lead and wrap up and win the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand Rugby confirmed that three of their top players will not play the Sep 5 game. Captain Sam Whitelock, five-eighth Richie Mo’unga and the top halfback Aaron Smith have stayed back in New Zealand.
Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga are missing out because their partners are due to give birth shortly and they wanted to be at their sides. New Zealand Rugby made a decision to rest Sam Whitelock and give him a break since the All Blacks have already won the Bledisloe Cup.
While the All Blacks will be without these three key players, its not going to be any easier for the Wallabies. Beauden Barrett is expected to replace Richie Mo’unga while the impressive TJ Perenara will take Smith’s place.
The Wallabies know that they are going to have a tough challenge in front of them but realize this is going to be their best opportunity to beat the All Blacks in front of their home fans!
