Hong Kong to host Bledisloe Cup clash

New Zealand and Australia will kick off their end-of-season tours to Europe with an extra Bledisloe Cup clash in Hong Kong.

The two teams first took the contest to Hong Kong in 2008, the first time a cup match had been held outside the two countries.

Last year Tokyo was the destination for the fourth match of the series as the two countries looked to boost their standings in the burgeoning Asian market. But the New Zealand and Australia rugby unions have opted for a return to the lucrative Hong Kong venue for this year's October 30 match.

"We always wanted to build on the tremendous success of the historic 2008 encounter, and are thrilled to bring the All Blacks and Wallabies back to Hong Kong," said Hong Kong Rugby Football Union executive director Robert Knight.

"Bringing the Bledisloe Cup back to Hong Kong will reinforce our position as a global rugby destination."

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew added: "There was an incredible response when the All Blacks played the historic Bledisloe Cup Test match there two years ago and we are expecting a similar experience."

Australian Rugby Union managing director and chief executive John O'Neill said: "To take the game to Hong Kong for a second time in three years...is a sign that we are serious about embracing the Asian market.

"It's in rugby's global interests to ensure our footprint becomes more distinct in Asia, and to build on the wonderful advances the Hong Kong sevens has made for the code."

Australia and New Zealand play the first three Bledisloe Cup matches as part of the Tri-Nations series.

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