New Zealand sports minister Grant Robertson having Bledisloe Cup fun at expense of Wallabies
The Wallabies have failed to win the Bledisloe Cup since 2003. And even in isolation, it’s a source of great mirth for the cocky Kiwis.
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New Zealand sports minister Grant Robertson has delivered a stinging gibe at the Wallabies before talking up the growing prospect of a Bledisloe Cup series this year.
Robertson said there was a desire from leaders on both sides of the Tasman for travel restrictions to be lifted in the second half of 2020, which would clear the way for a return to All Blacks-Wallabies hostilities.
However, he couldn’t resist a chance to tease Australia over their lack of success in the rivalry, having failed to hold the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.
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“It’s one of the gags going around isn’t it? That one of the best things about the coronavirus was that the Wallabies would have an unbeaten season,” Robertson told Sky Sport, prompting laughter from former All Blacks greats Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina.
Robertson, who is also the country’s finance minister, said the relative success of both countries in stamping out COVID-19 has kept the door open to sport relations resuming.
He said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern have emphasised they will be cautious until completely satisfied that a trans-Tasman bubble can function safely.
“I’ve heard Scott Morrison mention some time from July onwards,” Robertson said.
“Wouldn’t it be great in the second half of the year if we were able to get a decent Bledisloe Cup competition going.
“I know the cricketers have been talking about getting themselves over there as well.
“That’s what we’re working towards.”
Kiwis could come to rescue with Bledisloe spectacular
A four-match Bledisloe Cup series played entirely in New Zealand is being explored by rugby officials seeking to inject much-needed funds into a game crippled by COVID-19, writes Jamie Pandaram.
With New Zealand leading the world in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic, their government believes there is a chance of having crowds attending games by October.
Rugby Australia is hopeful games with live crowds can be hosted here, too, but Australia may have a lag behind the Kiwis, and all football codes are planning on playing behind closed doors for the medium term.
Having four games with live gate-takings to share is an appealing prospect for RA, who are facing debts of millions of dollars due to cancelled matches.
There is still the option of playing two games each in Australia and New Zealand, but if it’s a choice of hosting games in empty stadiums, or the Wallabies giving up home ground advantage to the All Blacks for much-needed money out of ticket sales, it’s understood RA would opt for the latter.
The development comes as World Rugby officially postponed all the scheduled July Test matches – including Australia’s home games against Ireland and Fiji – but loaned Rugby Australia $14.2 million on Friday to help their dire financial situation.
The low-interest long-term loan will keep RA afloat in coming months, but they desperately need to secure a broadcast deal for 2021 and beyond to fortify their future.
Playing a key role in that will be REA Group chairman and former Network Ten boss Hamish McLennan, who was appointed as RA’s chairman-elect on Friday, to start on June 15.
McLennan and interim chief executive Rob Clarke will lead the game’s strategy to climb back from the brink, requiring a new broadcast deal and a united package that will bring new fans to rugby.
“The Wallabies are an iconic team and rugby has a rich DNA, and I wanted to do my part to get it back to centre stage, and hopefully instil a winning culture and do my bit for the broader rugby community,” McLennan said.
“The next 18 months to two years will be very lean, but there’s a great tour coming in 2025 with the British & Irish Lions that I think will have the entire country excited.”
Clarke, who took over last week after Raelene Castle resigned, said the World Rugby money gives his organisation stability for the next year.
“The financial implications of the virus have been significant for Rugby Australia and this emergency relief funding will provide us with certainty for the next twelve months and enable us to close off our 2019 accounts,” Clarke said.
“The funding, in combination with the extensive cuts made across the business, provides us with the short-term impetus to see through the pandemic but does not solve all of the challenges.
“The board is continuing to work through its plans for organisational reform and additionally there are key conversations to be had across the game’s stakeholders about our rugby offering for 2020 and beyond.
“The World Rugby funding provides a much-needed boost and a level of security as we continue this important work.”
Originally published as New Zealand sports minister Grant Robertson having Bledisloe Cup fun at expense of Wallabies