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It was back in 2007 that the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) hosted the Wallabies at the venue located in the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct.
On Saturday, July 29, the MCG will host a hugely anticipated Bledisloe Cup match between the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Hosting the national side in just three previous Tests, the upcoming Bledisloe match is the first time the Wallabies will play at the venue in 16 years; culminating in a victory over New Zealand 20-15, in front of almost 80,000 fans.
Expected to draw a significant crowd for the July match, the average attendance of the three previous Bledisloe Cup matches held at the venue was 81,529 – with over 90,000 flocking to the venue for the Test in 1997.
While not a traditional rugby heartland, Melbourne is a mecca for major sporting events, drawing the world’s best sports to the state. Its elite stadiums and infrastructure, public transport network, cosmopolitan culture and thirst for sport and competition among the hometown crowd make for an incredible atmosphere.
Bullish on the crowd numbers, new Head Coach of the Wallabies Eddie Jones is confident the Wallabies can fill the 100,000-seat stadium.
“I can't wait to see 100,000 people (at the MCG) - we'll play that well in the first couple of games they'll be lining up to get the seats,” he said on 3AW radio earlier this year.
Backing in the Wallabies performances at the venue – two wins from three matches - he believes the ground is something special.
“I think it's one of those mystical things that, you know, it's such a fantastic sporting ground that when Australia plays there, you feel the energy of the crowd and you just want to play well,” he said.
“There’s plenty to be done between now and then, but I can’t wait to bring the team together and get to work.”
Wallabies Travel have exclusive packages for the Wallabies Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne and other domestic games. Book now via wallabiestravel.com.au.