Bledisloe Cup 2015: Fixtures, Dates, Kick-off Times and Rugby Series Predictions

Australia face an uphill struggle in attempting to break New Zealand's 12-year hold of the Bledisloe Cup, with the southern-hemisphere powerhouses kicking off a climactic back-to-back series this Saturday.

The two teams sit level on points at the head of the Rugby Championship standings as they travel to ANZ Stadium, but that trophy is but the beginning of the spoils on offer.

The 2015 Bledisloe Cup is gathering the kind of anticipation that hasn't been seen for some years, and both sides will place great value on the series in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in England.

Prior to Saturday's clash in Sydney, we take a look at the two combatants and predict whether the Wallabies will be able to clinch their first Bledisloe Cup since 2002.

Date	Kickoff Time	Venue	Prediction
August 8	11:05 a.m. BST/6:05 a.m. ET	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	Australia by 5
August 15	8:35 a.m. BST/3:35 a.m. ET	Eden Park, Auckland	New Zealand by 10

New-Look Wallabies Timing Their Peak 

The Michael Cheika regime is having its desired impact on Australian rugby, and after some years in the wilderness, the Wallabies look ready to tussle for major titles once again.

Built on a strong foundation of forwards and a handful of particularly potent assets in the back line, Cheika's men have impressed so far in the Rugby Championship, particularly during a comeback win over South Africa.

Cheika received a massive boost this week with the news that former captain Michael Hooper would be free to feature after being cited following the Argentina win, with Fox Sports' Greg Clark among those pleased:

The Waratahs talisman will have a major role to play as a leader in both Tests, but the return of fit-again David Pocock is an even more exciting development to watch out for.

Even through the gloom of recent years, star full-back Israel Folau has been consistently bright. Just over two years after making his Wallabies debut, he says the team are coming upon new prosperity, per the Sydney Morning Herald's Rupert Guinness:

"

I felt very stable from the time I first experienced being in the Wallaby environment. But with 'Cheik' ever since he stepped into that role there is probably that little bit more clarity around the group now. It's a good thing.

As a team, we know that we are going in a direction and there is a purpose about the way we want to play the game. For the playing group, that is all you need really.

"

One can rest assured that if Australia are to overcome New Zealand, Folau will be at the heart of that success, and the roar of a home crowd in Sydney may just be enough to re-establish their contention.

Six of Australia's last seven Bledisloe Cup wins have come in home territory—the other venue being Hong Kong in 2010—and Cheika's men are building momentum at just the right time to claim a major scalp.

New Zealand's Old Guard Call to Arms

While the Wallabies are on the verge of a new dawn, a host of New Zealand's greatest assets are preparing to take their leave of the national team, with this year bringing a final Bledisloe Cup for some.

As Eat Sleep Rugby attests, this will be the last Test fixture on Australian soil for Crusaders pair Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, along with Tony Woodcock:

"

ABs Richie McCaw & Dan Carter are set to play their last international match on Australian soil in the Bledisloe Cup pic.twitter.com/AUhkM37aAK

— EatSleepRugby (@Eat_Sleep_Rugby) August 3, 2015"

Despite the pressure to perform in Auckland on August 15, this scenario is nothing new to those veterans, who will also play major roles in England when the All Blacks travel for the World Cup.

Pau-bound Conrad Smith has a particular love for the Bledisloe Cup, he told Marc Hinton of Stuff.co.nz. Therefore, it could be likely he'll cause some sparks as part of his international send-off:

"

There's something special about Bledisloe Cup games. I grew up when we weren't playing South Africa, and Australia for me was the biggest enemy, the team we loved to hate. It's changed a little South Africa are now back and I've grown to realise why they are the traditional rivals.

It's a different rivalry with Australia. They're our brothers across the ditch, and it's a unique rivalry. I've grown to enjoy the games a lot, and everything that comes with them. It's something I'll miss.

"

Any way one looks at it, Australia will be preparing for the game of their lives at Eden Park. Win the series opener and they have an even more rabid pack of All Blacks urging to retain their title. Lose in Sydney and it means New Zealand already have the trophy in sight, which is always a dangerous prospect.

Not since 2001 have Australia managed to beat their Tasman rivals in their own backyard, and as long as Steve Hansen has his veterans to call upon, it's hard to see that streak ending in 2015.

Series Prediction: Series drawn 1-1, New Zealand retain Bledisloe Cup