Rugby Australia lashes NZ counterpart after Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth called off

Rugby Australia has expressed disappointment at being kept in the dark over a decision to call off next weekend’s third Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson revealed on Friday the All Blacks would not travel to Perth this weekend ahead of the fixture on Saturday, August 28, which has almost sold out the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.

New Zealand played in Perth in 2019 but their fixture on August 28 has been called off. Credit:Stuart Walmsley/Rugby AU Media

“It’s incredibly disappointing to be informed of this decision via the media, despite having a conversation with the CEO moments before and there [being] no mention that this was the intention,” Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said in a statement.

“We will continue to leave no stone unturned in finding an option ... for the Perth Test.

“The team has been in camp since the end of June and jumped on a plane at the end of July to go to New Zealand with no certainty as to what the Test schedule will look like, or when they would be home.

“Despite this outcome, I am confident we will find a solution for the whole Rugby Championship in what continues to be a very challenging environment in which to work.

“We have been engaging in positive discussions with both teams as well as government partners and we’re confident we were close to finding a solution.”

New Zealand is currently in lockdown until at least Wednesday due to a COVID outbreak, which grew to 31 cases on Friday.

NZR said earlier on Friday current uncertainty over The Rugby Championship schedule meant the All Blacks would not travel to Perth this weekend as planned, ahead of three months on the road, and had also cancelled two Tests against South Africa on home soil.

“Without complete certainty on the team’s next movements around The Rugby Championship we felt it was prudent for the team to stay put in New Zealand until SANZAAR have announced the full tournament schedule,” CEO Robinson said.

“Once the team leaves our shores, they currently can’t return until November 23 post their Northern Tour, so given the uncertainty, it makes sense to pause and get more clarity on these fixtures.

“We remain 100 per cent committed to playing in the entire Fortinet Rugby Championship in 2021 and are working closely with SANZAAR to look at a range of options to reschedule these important matches.”

SANZAAR also issued a statement expressing disappointment in NZR’s decision.

“SANZAAR is very disappointed that the New Zealand Rugby Union has made the decision not to travel to Perth at this time to play Australia for its second-round match [and Third Bledisloe match],” the statement said.

“However, SANZAAR and the other national unions will continue to work on when and where this match can be played as part of the overall rescheduling work being done. SANZAAR also recognises that this decision is incredibly disappointing for rugby fans in Perth.”

WA Health said on Thursday formal approval was yet to be given to the NZ players to travel to Perth after Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna said they had the same day.

“A number of conditions need to be met, including arrival of international teams a minimum of seven days prior to the game,” WA Health said.

The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 19th consecutive year after back-to-back victories against the Wallabies at Eden Park this month.

The Wallabies, who are already in Perth quarantining, won 2019’s inaugural Test at Optus Stadium against the All Blacks in front of a record 61,241 crowd at the venue.

Rugby Australia praised staff, partners and the WA Government for trying to secure a solution for the Perth Test, originally rescheduled from August 21.

“Thank you to the WA Government and staff at Optus Stadium as well as Nine, Cadbury, eToro and the Rugby Australia partners for their continued engagement and flexibility to work with us to find a solution in these difficult times,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the Wallaby team and management for their continued sacrifice, compromise and willingness to ensure Test matches get played.”

The All Blacks were scheduled to play a blockbuster Test against South Africa in Dunedin on September 25, and at Eden Park in Auckland on October 2.

“We share the disappointment of our fans, players and other stakeholders, particularly those in Dunedin where the sold-out 100th Test between the All Blacks and South Africa was shaping as a very special occasion,” Robinson said.

SANZAAR is set to make further announcements around the Rugby Championship schedule in due course.

Optus Stadium has been contacted regarding options for ticket-holders to next Saturday’s fixture.

David Prestipino writes about sports and lifestyle for WAtoday.

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