The 4th Bledisloe

[chief]

John O'Neil has talked of bringing the Bledisloe back to Asia for the 2010 Rugby season. Personally I would like to see it played in London, or the USA. I thought I'd create this thread to get an idea of what your thoughts are of it, and where you think it should be held.

During 2008 discussions took place for a Bledisloe to be held in Colorado during the 2009 season, Denver at the Mile High Stadium which has a capacity of around 75,000. Home of the NFL team the Broncos, discussions took place where apparently they were very close to securing the event. The Metro Denver Sports Commission said a Full packed stadium was possible. They ended up taking it to Tokyo.

During 2010 I would like to see another 4th Bledisloe match taken away from New Zealand and Australia to another venue.

Possibilities-

Twickenham or Wembley Stadiums- In England big supporter base of Rugby, and a lot of New Zealand and Australian fans would make an appearance. Probable sell out crowd. Wembley would really give some much needed cash, and a sell out crowd a 90,000 crowd for a Bledisloe really is top work and would look great on record.

The USA- Definetly would be a good idea taking the game to the USA especially after Invictus where a few fans would certainly be keen on seeing a professional game of rugby played. However a non traditional rugby city, would be a risk to see if it were to sell out. However if there were a time to take a match like this to the USA it would be during 2010. If they did get the game a capacity crowd of 75,000 would be possible and would do wonders for the game.

Asia- Been taken there the last few years, where to play it is a big question though? Japan could prove to be the goods, Hong Kong would treat it with warmth however neither really have the stadiums to make this a huge money spinner. Obviously the stadium in Yokohoma does but a crowd anywhere close to selling out is very unlikely.

Where else could it prove to be a success?

Could places like South Africa, Ireland and other major rugby places be a success. Or will the ARU play it safe with an Asian game? Or will they just elect not to have a 4th at all.

 

[naza]

I'm all Bledisloe'd out. Its losing its specialness, if it hasn't done so already. We need less Bledisloe, not more.

 

[TOCC]

Well i suppose you need to look at what you want to take out of it, if its purely financial then take it to England, however by taking it to Japan, China or Singapore you can use it to spread rugby union in these regions, these countries are our nearest neighbors and any chance to have them more involved in rugby would be a boost for us.

Asia is a perfect candidate because it not only gives Australia the chanve to expand the game into these countries, to gain a financial return but its also in the same timezone so its actually worth something to the Australian Broadcasters. A Bledisloe on at 2am means absolutely nothing to channel 10 or foxsports, but a bledisloe at 7pm is worth quite a bit.

 

[Moses]

Sydney sounds like a good spot, play two here.

I'm all Bledisloe'd out. Its losing its specialness, if it hasn't done so already. We need less Bledisloe, not more.

If we win a few it'll be special again..

 

[Biffo]

Two games, one at home, one away. Refer to the 1991 series.

The 1992 series was also great - Australia won by 2, Australia won by 1, NZ won by 3; total 58 points each, 6 tries each.

 

[JJJ]

I very much doubt Twickenham would sell out. They were nowhere near sold out for the Baa-baas match vs NZ, which at least had a few Europeans playing in it. If they want to sell out Twickenham their best bet would be to not play England that tour, which I can't see either team doing.

 

[disco]

Scratch it i say, if we are up 2-1 & lose the Bledisloe on a 2-2 result I'd be gutted. The kiwis have the advantage of staying sharp & match fit from the NPC our boys don't.

If they want an extra game then play a double header against England 1 @ Twickers & 1 @ Old Trafford.


We'd make more money from that anyway.