New Zealand National Rugby Union Team Australia National Rugby Union Team Bledisloe Cup The Rugby Championship

New Zealand and Australia's Rivalry in Rugby Union

A Fierce Rivalry on the Pitch

The New Zealand and Australia national rugby union teams are two of the most successful in the world, with a long and storied rivalry. The two teams have met over 100 times, with New Zealand holding a narrow edge in the win-loss record.

The rivalry between the two teams is often referred to as the "Bledisloe Cup", which is contested annually. The cup is named after Lord Bledisloe, who donated it to the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1931. The first Bledisloe Cup match was played in 1932, and New Zealand has won the cup more times than Australia.

The Rugby Championship

In addition to the Bledisloe Cup, the two teams also compete in The Rugby Championship, which is an annual international rugby union competition involving the national teams of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The Rugby Championship was first played in 2012, and New Zealand has won the tournament four times, while Australia has won it three times. The two teams have met in the final of the Rugby Championship five times, with New Zealand winning three times and Australia winning twice.

A Rivalry of Respect

Despite the intense rivalry on the pitch, there is a great deal of respect between the two teams. Both teams are known for their physicality and skill, and they have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game.

The rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is one of the most intense and passionate in world sport. It is a rivalry that is built on respect, and it is a rivalry that will continue to be contested for many years to come.

Key Stats

• New Zealand has won the Bledisloe Cup 50 times, while Australia has won it 43 times.
• New Zealand has won The Rugby Championship four times, while Australia has won it three times.
• The two teams have met in the final of The Rugby Championship five times, with New Zealand winning three times and Australia winning twice.

Conclusion

The rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is one of the most intense and passionate in world sport. It is a rivalry that is built on respect, and it is a rivalry that will continue to be contested for many years to come.