Wynne Gray: Three tests would take shine off

COMMENT

Corrosive Wallaby coach Alan Jones paused (which was an effort for a man whose mind and mouth worked together at full speed) to consider his side's Bledisloe Cup triumph at Eden Park in 1986.

"This is bigger than Quo Vadis," Jones said, "bigger than anything. What can I say? That was unreal, phenomenal, fantastic."

The Wallabies had just won the third and final test 22-9 after the two earlier internationals had given solitary point wins to each side.

It was a heck of a result, a heck of a finale and even more of a landmark achievement for the Wallabies when the history books show it was also the last time they won at Eden Park.

Since that early September win almost 17 years ago, the Wallabies have lost all five Bledisloe Cup tests at this famous Auckland ground. And one more makes six tonight? Dunno.

Despite the Wallabies' rocky form this season there is still a massive intrigue about this international, a surge of national optimism mixed in with the unease about the visitors' knack of using their get-out-of-jail cards at Wellington in 2000 and Sydney last year.

It is a tribute to the rise of Australian rugby and the assistance New Zealand gave to that resurgence, that the Bledisloe Cup brings its own special passion.

Remarkable because there was a feeling in the early 70's after the disastrous Woeful Wallabies tour that tests between the two nations should be abandoned.

The Wallabies' revival was helped, in part, by the exit of the All Blacks' greatest foe, the Springboks, from the international calendar. About that time the Wallabies claimed the silverware, and since that famous 1979 victory the All Blacks have won 28 tests, the Wallabies 21.

Since a miserable 1998 All Black season, the Wallabies have kept the trophy. New Zealand had a number of chances to regain the trophy but failed in some of the most dramatic conclusions against the goalkicking of John Eales, then Matt Burke.

They have been exhilarating contests and great theatre.

There has been talk about a resumption of an annual three-test series.

It would suit Australia, because they have nothing significant to fill their schedule when New Zealand is running the NPC. It would be another commercial bonanza for the ARU.

But you have to think the great rivalry, the expectation and the hype generated by the Bledisloe Cup would be dimmed if it was an extended series every year.

That series was fine in the amateur years and when tours were also in vogue.

Now players compete against the same foes in the Super 12 then the Tri-Nations, they need more variation not more of the same - and so do spectators.

A three-test Bledisloe series can be lame if one country wins the opening two tests easily.

It would increase the anticipation and mystique of trans-Tasman rugby if the Bledisloe was played every second year, a scheme which would open the calendar for other sides to tour and play the All Blacks.