A chance to open next year's Rugby World Cup with a blockbuster Wallabies-All Blacks clash has been passed by.
Organisers have opted to kick-off the tournament with Australia taking on Hong Kong on October 1, with the All Blacks facing Chile the following day.
The move is being labelled as a play to keep interest levels “alive”.
International Rugby Players’ Association CEO Omar Hassanein told Mike Hosking getting a mostly guaranteed win in the first match is important, and while one would like to hope Australia could beat the All Blacks, form over the last decades indicates they may struggle.
He says the opening match in Peth is likely to sell out regardless of opposition, so it was a tactical ploy to ensure Australia stays in the tournament and momentum continues.
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