In 2006, the Bledisloe Cup was held over a 3 game series, but this reverted to a 2 game series in 2007 because of the Rugby World Cup games schedules.

In 2008 the Bledisloe cup is being contested over an unprecedented four matches, three games are to be played in Australia and New Zealand while a fourth, potentially deciding or equalising game, is to be played in Hong Kong in an effort to promote the game in Asia.

Match dates for 2008 are

• Sydney 26 July
• Auckland 2 August
• Brisbane 13 September
• Hong Kong 1 November

This is the the first time Australia and New Zealand have played not on home ground (outside the World Cup). The final Bledisloe Cup game in Hong Kong is also the first game of the All Black's end of year tour to the Northern Hemisphere.

Note that if each team wins an even amount of games in the year's series then the trophy will go to the team who won the cup the previous year (that would mean New Zealand as the winners in 2007).

The 2008 Bledisloe Cup is also a huge series for fans and players as it has added intrigue. Robbie Deans, ex All Black, ex winning 2008 Super 14 Crusaders coach, ex All Blacks assistant coach (with Wayne Smith for 2003 RWC), and unsuccessful applicant for the All Blacks coaching job after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, is now coaching the Wallabies. Many say he should have been appointed All Blacks coach instead of Graham Henry. Also that it gives the Wallabies an added advantage as they have inside knowledge about All Blacks tactics and players. But then, the All Blacks also know the new Wallabies coach’s tactics well too! The 2008 Bledisloe Cup series seems to be more about the Robbie Deans vs Graham Henry coaching clash than the teams.

The 2008 Bledisloe Cup, as always will be an exciting series of rugby.

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