This year's first Bledisloe Cup test between the All Blacks and Australia in Melbourne will reportedly be a midweek clash for the first time since 1994.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, concerns from Rugby Australia over potential clashes with rival codes in September has seen New Zealand Rugby agree to move the test to a Thursday to avoid weekend competition from both the AFL and NRL.
The game was originally intended to be played at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on Saturday September 19, but that could clash with both an AFL preliminary final and an NRL semi-final.
The AFL's preliminary final will be played at Melbourne's MCG on the same night regardless, while the NRL semi-final could feature Melbourne Storm, and would therefore be held at AAMI Park.
The challenge of competing for attention with the AFL in particular is not a risk Rugby Australia is willing to take in Melbourne. Broadcaster Channel Nine would also be unwilling to showcase both the Bledisloe Cup and NRL finals on the same night at the risk of diluting its audience.
As a result, both organisations have reportedly agreed to play the match on a Thursday, with that Friday also bringing similar clashes with the AFL and NRL.
The All Blacks and Wallabies haven't faced each other in a midweek test since 1994, where Australia took a 20-16 victory in Sydney thanks to a famous try-saving tackle from George Gregan on Jeff Wilson.
Regardless of what date the first Bledisloe Cup test is played, the return fixture will be held at Eden Park on Saturday September 24.
