Australia To Attempt a Grand Slam

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"Playing a Test against Australia in replacement for the Fiji Test will allow us to generate additional revenue to provide meaningful financial support to the Fiji Rugby Union as part of the global package."

It is estimated that there will be a 7 million pound surplus from the match.

For the English, they will play test matches against the Pumas and All Blacks, before themselves being due in Australia in 2010 for a two-match test series.

ARU boss John O’Neill is obviously enthused about the end of year arrangements.

"We're pleased to confirm that a Grand Slam tour, after all these years, is back on our calendar again," O'Neill said.

"The long trips to the U.K. and Ireland to play all four Home Unions are an integral part of the rich history and tradition of the Wallabies.”

"I'm delighted the footsteps of the 1984 Grand Slam Wallabies will, for the first time in 25 years, be retraced by our current national side."

Grand Slam tour dates:

November 7 - Wallabies V England, London
November 15 - Wallabies V Ireland, Dublin
November 21 - Wallabies V Scotland, Edinburgh
November 28 - Wallabies V Wales, Cardiff

Australia HEAD TO HEAD V home Unions

England: Played 36, Australia 21, England 14, Drawn 1

Last match: 15th November 2008, Australia 28 – 14 England @ Twickenham, London

Ireland: Played 27, Australia 19, Ireland 8

Last match: 14th June 2008, Australia 18 – 12 Ireland @ Colonial Stadium Melbourne

Scotland: Played 25, Australia 18, Scotland 7

Last match: 25th November 2006, Australia 42 – 15 @ Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wales: Played 28, Australia 17, Wales 10, Drawn 1

Last match: 29th November 2008, Wales 21 – 18 Australia

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