Bledisloe Cup

Between 1931 and 1981 it was contested irregularly in the course of rugby tours between the two countries. New Zealand won it 19 times and Australia four times in this period. In the years 1982 to 1995 is was contested annually, sometimes as a series of three matches and other times in a single match. During these years New Zealand won it 11 times and Australia three times.

Since 1996 the cup has been contested as part of the annual Tri Nations tournament. Until 1998 the cup was contested in a three match series: the two Tri Nations matches between these sides and a third match. New Zealand won these series in 1996 and 1997, and Australia won it in 1998.

Since 1999 the third match has not been played, Australia and New Zealand play each other twice as part of the Tri Nations for the cup. If each team wins one of these games the cup is retained by its current holder. Australia has held it since 1998.

In 2003 the Bledisloe Cup will be contested in Sydney on July 26 and in Auckland on August 16.