The third Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia this year will be played in Japan.

It will be the second Bledisloe Cup match to be played in Japan, with the two teams having played at the National Stadium, Tokyo, in 2009. This year’s Test will be played in Yokohama on 27 October.

‘We’re delighted to confirm that a Bledisloe Cup Test match will be played in Japan for the second time in the history of this great rivalry,’ New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said.

‘The last match in 2009 was a fantastic event, but this year’s Test at the 72,000-seat stadium in Yokohama will be at another level. The All Blacks have huge support in Japan, so the Bledisloe Cup Test will be important for the team as we build support ahead of the 2019 World Cup.’

Photo: EPA/Dan Peled