History of the Bledisloe Cup
All Blacks Bledisloe Cup History
Few rivalries in world sport carry the history, emotion, and edge of the Bledisloe Cup. For rugby fans in New Zealand, it is far more than just another Test series. The Bledisloe blends ANZAC tradition, attacking rugby, and ultimately trans-tasman bragging rights.
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How the Bledisloe Cup Began
The rather well endowed Bledisloe Cup trophy first went on the line in 1932, although historians still debate the exact date the trophy first surfaced. What is clear is that it was created to strengthen sporting ties between New Zealand and Australia while fuelling one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Rugby Australia counts a one-off Eden Park Test in 1931 as the first Bledisloe match, however, New Zealand Rugby argues the Cup was not formally created until afterward, so the first official series was the 1932 New Zealand tour of Australia.
Named after Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount of Bledisloe and the Governor-General of New Zealand at the time, the Cup quickly became the most coveted trophy in trans-tasman sport.
From the very first matchups, there was always serious intensity whenever the All Blacks faced the Wallabies. The closeness between the two ANZAC nations off the field only makes the rivalry sharper once kickoff arrives.
More than 90 years later, the Cup still carries huge significance on both sides of the Tasman.
Watch Now: 2003, Bledisloe Cup | New Zealand v Australia
August 16th, 2003, the All Blacks return to Eden Park looking to wrestle back the Bledisloe Cup after winning Game 1 in Sydney in emphatic fashion.
Early Years of the Trans-Tasman Rivalry
In the early decades, New Zealand largely controlled the rivalry. The All Blacks had built a reputation for uncompromising power forwards, relentless defence, and attacking rugby that often overwhelmed the Aussies.
Test matches during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s regularly attracted massive crowds, with Bledisloe fixtures becoming some of the biggest sporting events on both sides of the ditch.
Even during years when one side dominated, Bledisloe rugby rarely lacked physicality or emotion, with plenty of close encounters going right down to the wire.
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Australia’s dominant era in the late 90s and early 2000s
While New Zealand has enjoyed long periods of success throughout the history of the series, Wallabies have produced some dominant eras of their own.
The late 1990s and early 2000s remain one of the proudest periods in Wallabies history. Well coached and stacked with world-class talent, Australia pushed the All Blacks harder than they had been pushed in years.
Legends such as David Campese, Tim Horan, John Eales, Steven Larkham, George Gregan, Joe Roff and Stirling Mortlock became household names across the rugby world with their on-field heroics.
For New Zealand fans, this period created some painful memories with a dark cloud hovering for several seasons. Australia won the Bledisloe Cup in 1998 before going on to retain the trophy from 1999 through to 2002.
That 5 year stretch only deepened the rivalry and culminated in the Wallabies knocking off the All Blacks in the 2003 Rugby World Cup semis before going down to England in the final, falling just short of back-to-back titles.
The Wallabies played with pace, confidence, skill, and tactical control, while the All Blacks were searching for consistency during a changing professional era.
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Watch: A resurgent All Blacks looked to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup they lost to Australia in 1998. The two-game series set numerous records and is regarded as the Greatest Ever.
Greatest Bledisloe Cup Matches
The Bledisloe has inspired some of rugby union’s greatest ever Test matches.
Who could forget the famous 2000 clash in Sydney. In front of more than 100,000 fans at Homebush Stadium, Australia edged New Zealand 39-35 in a match many still consider the greatest rugby Test ever played.
The Game of the Century had everything — long-range tries, huge momentum swings, an enormous crowd, and relentless attacking rugby. Both sides featured a host of all-time greats.
On the All Blacks team sheet that day were the likes of Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens, Scott Robertson, Taine Randell, Norm Maxwell and Kees Mews.
For Kiwi fans it was a heartbreaking nail biter, but rugby was the winner on the day.
There have been countless other classics too. Last-minute wins, controversial calls, dominant All Blacks performances, and dramatic comebacks have all become part of a rich Bledisloe history.
Watch Now: 2000, Bledisloe Cup | New Zealand v Australia, Game 2
August 5th, 2000, three weeks after the "Greatest Test Ever", the All Blacks host the return match of the Bledisloe Cup needing a win to claim it back.
All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Dominance
After Australia’s sustained run of success in the late 90s and early 2000s, New Zealand came surging back with a vengeance, stacking up one of the greatest winning eras in international rugby history.
After wrestling back the Bledisloe Cup in 2003, the All Blacks have not relinquished it since. Under coaches like Sir Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, New Zealand built a side known for accuracy, physicality, and attacking prowess.
Whilst the lopsided dominance has continued on through 23 consecutive seasons, the Bledisloe Cup remains a special series that Kiwis Aussies always look forward to.
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Legendary All Blacks of the Bledisloe Cup
The greatest All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Team of all Time
Some of the greatest players in All Blacks rugby history have built their legacies through nearly 100 years of Bledisloe rugby rivalry.
Richie McCaw’s heroics saw him become the symbol of All Blacks leadership with his utter doggedness, and holds the record for the most Bledisloe Cup appearances with 34 Bledisloe tests.
Dan Carter drove the team around the park with speed, skill, and accuracy for more than a decade, repeatedly breaking Australian hearts with his goal-kicking, game management and attacking threat.
Sean Fitzpatrick was a legendary captain during the 1990s, when Bledisloe battles were often brutal arm wrestles. Fitzy set the standard for leadership against Australia, and made a habit of scoring tries out wide.
Players like Ma'a Nonu and Beauden Barrett added power and additional speed as the All Blacks evolved into one of the most dominant teams professional rugby has ever seen.
Whilst picking a Greatest All Blacks team of anything is fraught with danger, some of the most legendary All Blacks to stamp their mark on the Bledisloe Cup are as follows.
1. Loosehead Prop - Tony Woodcock
Tony Woodcock was huge in the set piece for over a decade against Australia. A double Rugby World Cup winner, the first All Blacks prop to play 100 Test matches and the first international prop to reach a century of Test victories.
Woodcock was a master of getting his side of the scrum up. When that happened on opposition possession, it disrupted their attack often forcing their halfback to be on the wrong side. When in possession it helped the All Blacks shift loose forwards to disrupt defence alignment.
Woodcock was exceptionally durable and mobile and famously scored the All Blacks’ only try in their 8-7 victory over France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park.
2. Hooker - Sean Fitzpatrick
Sean Fitzpatrick was the ultimate old-school Bledisloe warrior. Toughness, leadership, intimidation, and the odd try out wide!
By the time of his enforced retirement, just before the start of the 1998 season, because of a chronic knee injury, Sean Fitzpatrick had established himself as one of the most significant All Blacks of all time.
As a legend he rated with the likes of Colin Meads and George Nepia, men who have a status not simply as rugby stars but as folk heroes.
3. Tighthead Prop - Owen Franks
Owen Franks was a formidable scrummager, rattling tackler and powerful tighthead who for a decade established himself as one of the best props in the world. Franks played 13 of a possible 14 world cup matches in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015 triumphs. In 2018 he became the ninth All Black, and second prop, after Tony Woodcock (118 Tests) to play 100 tests for New Zealand.
The All Blacks beat the Wallabies 40-12 in a Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park on the night Franks cracked a ton.
4. Lock - Colin Meads
Colin Meads was the original All Blacks hard man and defined Trans-Tasman forward brutality.
It is a measure of the fame Colin Meads achieved in New Zealand and beyond that for most of his life he was immediately recognisable by the nickname bestowed on him by Taranaki Hooker, Roger Boon: Pinetree. And no nickname was more apt because for nearly 14 years in All Black rugby Meads, firstly as a siderow forward but more constantly as a lock, was a towering presence, one of the best and most inspiring players New Zealand rugby has known in any position.
5. Lock - Sam Whitelock
Sam Whitelock, because of the length of his career, his durability and the many honours he achieved, will be forever ranked among the greatest of All Black locks alongside legends like Colin Meads.
When he retired in 2024 one of his long-time coaches, Steve Hansen, indeed, paid him an appropriate compliment, saying he was "a modern-day Colin Meads," placing him on a pedestal with his Crusaders and All Black contemporaries, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran Read.
6. Blindside Flanker - Jerome Kaino
Australia was never really able to match Jerome Kaino physically. Brutal on and off the ball.
One of the most devastating loose forwards in world rugby, with his tenacious defence and slick ball handling skills essential in the Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015 triumphs.
Kaino was held in such high regard by the All Blacks selectors he started 76 of his 81 Tests and on 37 occasions never left the field.
In 2011 he won the Kelvin Tremain Memorial Trophy as Player of the Year - widely considered by many critics to be the best player at the New Zealand hosted world cup.
7. Openside Flanker - Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw ranks as the greatest Bledisloe Cup player ever, with a record number of appearances (34) and tries (11), McCaw played every minute like it was his last.
Comparing players from different eras, particularly with the game now professional, is extremely difficult and it seems pointless to proclaim any one player as the ultimate All Black.
But the case for Richie McCaw (ONZ) being ranked at the front of all-time All Blacks is indisputable. His record as a player and as a captain is without precedent. He was the first player to captain a country to back to back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
When McCaw retired in 2015, he held the world record for most Test matches (148), wins (131) and was the most successful rugby captain in Test history with a record 97 wins in 110 matches.
8. Number 8 - Kieran Read
Kieran Read occupies a special place in All Blacks history as having an unchallengeable position among the legendary test No 8s, standing on a pedestal with Brian Lochore, Buck Shelford and Zinzan Brooke.
And as were Lochore and Shelford, Read was also a successful, much respected captain, leading in turn with distinction his provincial union, Canterbury, his Super franchise, Crusaders, and in 52 tests, the All Blacks.
9. Halfback - Aaron Smith
One of the greatest ever passers of the rugby ball. Bullet-like with extreme range and incredible accuracy, Aaron Smith put it on a plate for forwards and backs alike.
A huge part of the All Blacks team that dominated the Bledisloe for over a decade.
Smith quickly established himself as the All Blacks’ first-choice halfback amidst fierce competition, playing 13 Tests in his debut season in 2012. He missed just one Test match in 2017 and became the most capped All Blacks halfback of all time at 82 Tests in 2018.
10 - First Five-Eighth - Dan Carter
Dan Carter gets the nod here every time. His 347 Bledisloe points put him right at the top of the chart. Gifted with high end speed, illusiveness, and the ability to kick off both feet, he was also the best tactical controller the rivalry has seen.
Not long before Carter there was Grant Fox, Frano Botica, Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer and more recently Aaron Cruden, Beauden Berrett and Richie Mo'unga.
Splendid, though all of those long serving All Blacks were, there is little quibbling when Carter is proclaimed as the ultimate in the position. Whereas most of the others, even the best of them, had a weakness or two, usually tackling, Carter was almost faultless in every aspect of the game.
11. Left Wing - Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu changed the physical landscape of the game completely in the 1990s, becoming the world’s first global super star.
Considering that for most of his playing days Lomu was under a severe health handicap it is really remarkable that he achieved so much. His illness has also made it a little more understandable that very often Lomu struggled to get anywhere near the exalted heights he reached in his two glory seasons of 1995 and 1999. But in each of those Lomu was sensational, with a physical presence no one has ever quite managed before or since.
12. Second Five-Eighth - Ma'a Nonu
Ma'a Nonu bashed and crashed his way through Australia for years upon end. Strong on the tackle and an absolute handful with ball in hand. Developed his passing and kicking to become the ultimate triple threat in the midfield.
“It was eye-popping to see how good he was: how straight he ran; how he passed off either foot - long passes; how he was nice and square and how he put in a few kicks.” - Wayne Smith
Nonu became the All Blacks’ seventh centurion at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, marking the occasion with a try in a 47-9 group victory over Tonga.
His rugby career has been an enduring one, having played first class rugby for 23 consecutive seasons! That is longer than Sir Colin Meads and George Nepia, and equal to Jimmy Gopperth who Nonu played with at the Hurricanes.
13. Centre - Conrad Smith
Conrad Smith was a player blessed with serious rugby nous. A strong defender who could read the game like the back of his hand.
Alongside Ma’a Nonu he formed one half of arguably the greatest midfield combination in international rugby history.
Together the astute and nimble centre played alongside the powerhouse Nonu a record 62 times and enjoyed 54 wins. In 2011 and 2015 the pair lifted the Rugby World Cup. Smith was 15-0 in World Cup matches.
When Smith retired in 2015, he had started a record 90 of 94 Test matches at centre. With a qualification of 70 Tests only Sean Fitzpatrick was a more frequent starter with 91 starts in 92 Test matches.
14. - Right Wing - Doug Howlett
Doug Howlett made a monumental contribution to New Zealand rugby as a long serving All Black wing between 2000 and 2007, and hold the all-time record for most All Blacks tries (49 tries from just 62 tests).
Though a heavy try-scorer with pace and enough skill to occasionally appear at fullback he always had to be at his best, for other crack wings like Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Rico Gear were in their prime in the latter part of those seasons, too. The early part of his test career had also clashed with another charismatic trio in Jonah Lomu, Jeff Wilson and Tana Umaga.
15. Fullback - Christian Cullen
Christian Cullen is probably the most dangerous broken-field runner in Bledisloe Cup history. Cully was blessed with express pace and a vicious side step. He made it look easy, gliding his way through entire teams at times.
His attacking prowess was also complimented with powerful defense, belying his smaller frame.
Other fullbacks starting with Fergie McCormick in the late 1960s, then going on through Allan Hewson and onto John Gallagher in the late 80s had brought an increasing attacking dimension to the All Black fullback role. But none showed quite the flair and attacking potency that Cullen demonstrated, especially in his early years.
All Blacks All Time Great Bledisloe Cup Subsitites Bench
Whilst not always the case in Bledisloe Cup history, in the professional era the substitutes bench has come to be an important part of the game tactically.
Completing our Greatest All Blacks Bledisloe Cup matchday 23 from the bench are as follows:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Steve McDowall
18. Carl Hayman
19. Brodie Retallick
20. Michael Jones
21. Justin Marshall
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Joe Rokocoko
Old-School Trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup Punch-Ups
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From sharing a room with Jonah Lomu to the infamous punch-up with Michael Brial and everything in between, former All Blacks centre Frank Bunce reflects on his remarkable rugby career with Ra and John.
The older Bledisloe Tests from the 70s, 80s and early professional era were properly violent compared with modern rugby.
You often saw all-in brawls, swinging arms in rucks, forwards throwing punches and sideline melees, especially when the Aussies felt the All Blacks were starting to physically dominate them up front.
A lot of former players from both countries openly admit there was plenty happening off the ball during those years.
Brial vs Bunce
Who could forget Brial v Bunce. In 1996 a red mist descended upon Wallabies hard man Michael Brial who unleashed a flurry of haymakers on All Blacks centre Frank Bunce. Although it looked dramatic, Bunce was unharmed, and some fans went on to comment that ‘Brial couldn’t hit the skin off a rice pudding.’
George Gregan vs the All Blacks
George Gregan became one of the biggest villains in trans-tasman rugby history during Australia’s winning run in the late 90s and early 2000s.
It all started in 1994 in just his 4th test where he made an incredible try-saving tackle, famously dislodging the ball as Jeff Wilson lunged over the try line, bluntly ending what would have been one of the greatest 2nd half comebacks of all time. Some fans still lament Wilson’s ball security as he dove for the try.
Gregan went on to cement himself as the most detested man in NZ rugby with his famous sledge “Four more years, boys!”, after the Wallabies knocked the All Blacks out in the 2003 Rugby World Cup semi final.
We will never forget.
Why the Bledisloe Cup Still Matters
Watch Now: Together We Walk | Episode 6 | The Bledisloe
After back-to-back losses in South Africa the All Blacks look to get their season back on track as they face their Trans-Tasman foe Australia, in two test battle for the coveted Bledisloe Cup.
Even as the modern game continues to evolve, the guts and glory of the Bledisloe’s Anzac spirit has never faded.
The series continues to shape Southern Hemisphere rugby and is one trpophy that both nations hate to lose.
Regardless of current form, one thing remains true: when the All Blacks play Australia for the Bledisloe Cup, rugby fans the world over know that whatever the era the Bledisloe always delivers a spectacle of the world’s best attacking rugby.
For generations of Kiwis, it has been woven into our winter weekends, filling our lounges and pubs and stadiums with a nervous tension, forging memories that will be passed on and on for years to come.
Whilst the players and coaches come and go, the depth of feeling behind the Bledisloe Cup remains.
Bledisloe Cup Stats and Records
| Rank | Player | Team | Tests |
| 1. | Richie McCaw | All Blacks | 34 |
| 2. | Dan Carter | All Blacks | 31 |
| 3. | David Campese | Wallabies | 29 |
| 4. | George Gregan | Wallabies | 27 |
| 5. | Keven Mealamu | All Blacks | 27 |
Richie McCaw’s 34 Bledisloe appearances speaks volumes about the man’s resilience and came during one of the most dominant All Blacks eras ever, as well as leading the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015.
| Rank | Player | Team | Points |
| 1. | Dan Carter | All Blacks | 347 |
| 2. | Andrew Mehrtens | All Blacks | 199 |
| 3. | Matt Burke | Wallabies | 176 |
| 4. | Grant Fox | All Blacks | 153 |
| 5. | Matt Giteau | Wallabies | 143 |
Dan Carter’s whopping 347 points in Bledisloe Cup tests is an absurd number and his total of 366 points vs Australia is the largest scoring tally any player has recorded against a single Test nation, blowing Andrew Mehrtens’ previous record against the Wallabies out of the water.
| Rank | Player | Team | Tries |
| 1. | Richie McCaw | All Blacks | 11 |
| 1. | Beauden Barrett | All Blacks | 11 |
| 1. | Ma'a Nonu | All Blacks | 11 |
| 4. | Ben Smith | All Blacks | 10 |
| 5. | Joe Rokocoko | All Blacks | 9 |
| 6. | Doug Howlett | All Blacks | 8 |
| 7. | Rieko Ioane | All Blacks | 8 |
| 8. | Chris Latham | Wallabies | 7 |
| 9. | Adam Ashley-Cooper / Izzy Folau | Wallabies | 6 |
| 10. | Savea/Naholo | All Blacks | 6 |
One of the more surprising records here is Richie McCaw tying the all-time try-scoring record despite playing at loose forward.
| Rank | Player | Team | Match |
| 1. | Beauden Barrett | All Blacks | Auckland, 2018 |
| 1. | George Conrnelsen | Wallabies | Auckland, 1978 |
| 2. | Jonah Lomu | All Blacks | Wellington, 1997 |
| 2. | Joe Rokocoko | All Blacks | Christchurch, 2003 |
| 2. | David Campese | Wallabies | Sydney, 1982 |
Greg Cornelsen’s four-try performance in Auckland remains one of the most famous Wallabies displays ever and the record has stood for over 40 years, only equaled by Beauden Barrett in 2018.
Cornelsen’s record is particularly noteworthy considering he packed down on the side of the scrum. He remains the only Wallabies forward in history to achieve the feat.
| Rank | Player | Team | Points | Match |
| 1. | Beauden Barrett | All Blacks | 30 | Auckland, 2018 |
| 2. | Dan Carter | All Blacks | 24 | Auckland, 2010 |
| 2. | Matt Burke | Wallabies | 24 | Melbourne, 1998 |
| 4. | Michael Lynagh | Wallabies | 23 | Wellington, 1986 |
| 5. | Andrew Mehrtens | All Blacks | 22 | Wellington, 1996 |
Beauden Barrett’s huge 30 point haul also included a record equalling 4 tries in what was an absolute clinic.
Watch Now: 2022, Bledisloe Cup | Australia v New Zealand
| Rank | Winner | Score | Margin | Match |
| 1. | All Blacks | 43-5 | 38 | Sydney, 2020 |
| 2. | All Blacks | 43-6 | 37 | Wellington, 1996 |
| 3. | All Blacks | 36-0 | 36 | Auckland, 2019 |
| 4. | Wallabies | 47-26 | 21 | Perth, 2019 |
| 4. | Wallabies | 28-7 | 21 | Sydney, 1999 |
Watch Now: 2014, Bledisloe Cup | Australia v New Zealand
October 18, 2014, Richie McCaw led the All Blacks against Australia aiming for a 12th consecutive Bledisloe Cup win.
| Year | Winner | Score | Margin | Location |
| 1962 | All Blacks | 6-5 | 1 | Wellington |
| 1974 | All Blacks | 16-14 | 2 | Wellington |
| 1980 | Wallabies | 16-15 | 1 | Sydney |
| 1986 | Wallabies | 19-18 | 1 | Brisbane |
| 1988 | All Blacks | 13-11 | 2 | Sydney |
| 1993 | Wallabies | 22-21 | 1 | Sydney |
| 1994 | All Blacks | 25-24 | 1 | Dunedin |
| 2000 | Wallabies | 24-23 | 1 | Wellington |
| 2006 | All Blacks | 23-22 | 1 | Christchurch |
| 2014 | All Blacks | 29-28 | 1 | Brisbane |
| 2022 | All Blacks | 39-37 | 2 | Brisbane |
| 2025 | All Blacks | 26-24 | 2 | Auckland |
There’s been so many Bledisloe Cup games over the years that have gone down to the wire, and we can expect plenty more in the future. The closeness of these contests is yet another reason we can’t get enough.
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