Bledisloe Cup Rugby 2013: Schedule, Dates, Kickoff Times and Series Predictions

The Bledisloe Cup is a series stretching back over 80 years, consistently putting on display some of the best rugby the world has to offer from two of the sport’s most illustrious teams.

Australia and New Zealand’s well-documented rivalry will resume once again this weekend in the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship, with Sydney’s ANZ Stadium the first to bear witness before the pair clash in Wellington a week later.

Stretching back to 2002, the All Blacks have won the last 10 cups and are aiming to get off to a good start in winning their 11th consecutive series in foreign territory this weekend.

ESPN writer and ABC Radio Australia pundit Brett McKay recently reminded his Twitter following just why the Bledisloe Cup is so popular, with the famous 2000 clash his pick of the bunch:

Featuring some of the best and brightest talents in Southern Hemisphere rugby, the reigning world champions travel to Australia on Saturday for the start of one of the most prestigious events in the game.

Player To Watch: Quade Cooper

Making his way back into the squad for the best-of-three series, Quade Cooper returns to Wallabies action after almost 12 months out of international duty.

At the time, as was reported by the Daily Mail, Cooper described the Australian camp as a “toxic environment,” having fallen out of favour with the tactics of then-coach Robbie Deans.

However, the fly-half’s exuberant style would appear to be more favourable with the side’s new boss and Cooper’s former Queensland Reds coach, Ewen McKenzie.

With the 25-year-old Cooper coming back into the fold, James O’Connor will presumably drop into fullback or could even move into the centres.

Speaking to Fox Sports, the youngster has stated that his late-night antics are over and that his mind is completely set on keeping hold of his place in the Wallabies team, per Jamie Pandaram.

Following a failed series against the British and Irish Lions, Cooper bears an incredible load heading into these Bledisloe Cup matches and will receive somewhat of a re-baptism through fire against the All Blacks.

Just whether or not his flash is precisely what the Wallabies could have done with earlier this summer is a debate that’s sure to be answered in the coming weeks.

Key Question: How Much Will The All Blacks Miss Dan Carter?

As was announced earlier in the week, Dan Carter recently suffered a calf injury that would rule him out of the opening Rugby Championship fixtures, per BBC Sport.

The heartbeat of the New Zealand side for the last decade, it’s not difficult to quantify just what kind of impact this has on the All Blacks' hopes, especially in the Bledisloe Cup.

In short, it’s pretty big.

In recent years, Carter will have built an affinity with the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg and others in his back line, a synchronicity that’s hard to replicate.

That being said, the All Blacks are able to call upon Aaron Cruden, a very talented replacement and a testament to the depth Steve Hansen possesses in his roster, considering Cruden has just won his second consecutive Super Rugby title.

Journalist Ben Coles emphasised this sentiment over Twitter: 

Although Cruden will be lacking in certain areas compared to Carter, the Chiefs’ No. 10 is supremely talented and will still give Australia some trouble in their pursuit of breaking the Bledisloe Cup’s current chain.

Prediction

All eyes will be on the fly-halves come kickoff in a game which promises to rely largely on the playmaking of Cooper and Cruden, as well more than slightly on their kicking ability.

Another aspect worth some attention will be the new scrum laws being brought into play, which are aimed at giving a straighter feed and cleaner binds, explained here by the Press Association (h/t Eurosport).

Considering the strength of New Zealand’s franchises and that Australia are likely to be getting to grips with McKenzie’s tactics still, the All Blacks are favourites to carry on their run.

August 17, Australia 26 – 22 New Zealand

August 24, New Zealand 34 –19 Australia

October 19, New Zealand 28 – 20 Australia

New Zealand win series and 11th consecutive Bledisloe Cup

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