New Zealand Rugby to Discuss Possible Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test

New Zealand Rugby is scheduled to discuss a proposed Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test at a board meeting on Thursday. The AFL and NRL have established Anzac Day matches as prominent calendar events, with the Collingwood versus Essendon AFL fixture and the St George Illawarra versus Sydney Roosters NRL fixture attracting massive crowds and strong TV viewing figures.

Rugby union trails those domestic competitions in local popularity despite its greater international presence, but an annual Bledisloe Cup Test on Anzac Day could provide rugby with a State of Origin moment capable of establishing a national footprint.

904 million viewers. A Wallaroos versus Black Ferns Test match was played on Anzac Day this year and had a total TV national reach of 887,000 viewers, finishing 11th on VOZ's April 25 rankings. The 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup will be hosted by Australia.

The Queensland Reds lost to the Chiefs 31-21 in Brisbane on Friday night. Referee Marcus Playle denied the Queensland Reds a try on the stroke of half-time by judging Seru Uru to be held up. TMO Glenn Newman was consulted on the Seru Uru try decision and upheld the on-field call.

The penalty count in the Reds versus Chiefs match was 12-5 against the Reds. Referee Marcus Playle penalised Josh Flook for incorrect entry to a ruck inside the Reds' 22 in the 78th minute even though Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson went off his feet at the breakdown moments before. The Chiefs scored a try through number eight Wallace Sititi from a scrum in the 78th minute against the Reds.

The Queensland Reds lost three of their own lineout throws in the first half against the Chiefs. The loss saw the Queensland Reds slip to sixth place on the Super Rugby Pacific standings. The ACT Brumbies moved one spot ahead of the Queensland Reds on the standings after their win.