Few rivalries in world rugby stir the emotions quite like the Bledisloe Cup. Since 1932, the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies have battled for trans-Tasman supremacy, with this iconic silver trophy on the line. More than just silverware, the Cup symbolises national pride, passion, and one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries.

How It All Began

The Bledisloe Cup was donated in 1931 by Lord Bledisloe, New Zealand’s Governor-General, who recognised the fierce rugby spirit between the two nations.

A Trophy Made Too Big

One of rugby’s best stories is that the Bledisloe Cup was never intended to be so large. When Lord Bledisloe commissioned it from a London silversmith, the design specifications were misunderstood, producing a trophy more than double the intended size.

The result was a giant, 71cm tall trophy, nearly 10 kg in weight and crafted from sterling silver.

By the time it arrived, it was far larger than planned, but instead of being rejected, its monumental scale became its defining feature. Today, the Cup’s oversized presence perfectly matches the intensity of the rivalry it represents.

The First Contest

The first contest came in 1932 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the All Blacks claimed victory. Immediately, the Cup gave fresh meaning to Test matches, adding extra weight to each clash across the Tasman.

The Post-War Years: Building the Rivalry

After World War II, rugby in both countries began to change. Australia produced players of world-class ability, particularly in the backline.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, built their reputation on uncompromising forward play and tactical kicking. Matches in the 1950s and 1960s were tight, low-scoring, and fiercely physical.

The haka is performed by the 1968 All Blacks ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane

The 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s saw Australia reclaim the Cup in a stunning 2–1 series win. Under coach Rod Macqueen in the 1990s, the Wallabies combined tactical brilliance with world-class talent. They not only challenged New Zealand regularly but also secured Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1999.

By the end of the 1990s, the Bledisloe rivalry was at its fiercest, with both teams regarded as the best in the world.

The Professional Era: All Blacks’ Stranglehold

From 2003, the All Blacks re-established dominance, holding the Cup every year since.

Memorable encounters include:

• 2000, Sydney: The 39-35 “Game of the Century” in front of 109,000 fans.
• 2010, Hong Kong: The Bledisloe went global with a Test in Asia.
• 2020, Wellington: A gripping 16-all draw during the pandemic era.

Despite close contests, the Wallabies have not lifted the Cup since 2002, making this one of the most one-sided eras in its history.

Great Players of the Bledisloe Cup

Over nine decades, the Bledisloe Cup has featured New Zealand and Australia’s rugby greatest names:

• All Blacks Legends: Colin Meads, Sean Fitzpatrick, Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett.
• Wallabies Icons: David Campese, John Eales, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, George Smith, Michael Hooper.

These players have provided dazzling tries, crunching tackles, and unforgettable moments that live on in rugby folklore.

The Bledisloe Today

Now played within the Rugby Championship framework, the Bledisloe Cup remains a centrepiece of trans-Tasman rugby. Despite its integration into a larger competition, the Cup retains its unique aura.

The Road Ahead

With Australia set to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Wallabies are rebuilding. A resurgence would reinvigorate the rivalry and perhaps bring the Cup back to Australia for the first time in over two decades.