Tri-Nations to return to six-match format in 2007

Don't get used to the Tri-Nations offering us the bounty of nine test matches to savour, just yet.

Next year, the tournament reverts to its more traditional six-match format.

This year's schedule sees no less than nine encounters between the All Blacks, the Wallabies and the Springboks.

However, with 2007 being a World Cup year, the Tri-Nations will be a six-test series next year, which means Australia and New Zealand will host one Bledisloe Cup test each.

News agency AAP is reporting today that Melbourne has been confirmed to host the Wallabies' only home Bledisloe Cup rugby test in 2007.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be the venue for the match.

It will be the first time the MCG has staged a test between Australia and New Zealand in nine years.

ARU chief executive Gary Flowers told AAP the move to take the Bledisloe Cup to Victoria was a major strategic decision.

"Sydney enjoyed seven straight years of Bledisloe Cups from 1999 to 2005, before we took the match to Brisbane this year for the first time in 10 years," he said.

"The Wallabies are our national winter team so it is important that we share their biggest tests with as many Australians as possible.

"Victoria is one of Australia's largest markets, and it is one of Rugby's highest strategic priorities to grow the game in the state.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks said he hoped 100,000 people would pack the redeveloped MCG for next year's cup game, AAP reported.

Flowers said the 1997 Bledisloe Cup test created an estimated A$60 million ($72.52 million) boost for the Victorian economy.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) hasn't yet released details of the venue for our home Bledisloe Cup match next year.

Their website says the draws for the All Blacks' 2007 domestic and international Seasons are due to be released next month.