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Wallabies set to buck trend and host blockbuster England Test at the ‘unsuitably small’ AAMI Park
Iain Payten
The Daily Telegraph
May 13, 2015 1:01AM
THE Australian Rugby Union have a contrary view to their round-ball rivals on AAMI Park as a big-game Melbourne venue and are set to move a blockbuster Wallabies Test against England there next year.
The development came as the ARU confirmed the Wallabies will play the USA in Chicago on September 5 in a two-week American stopover before the Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies-Eagles Test at Soldier Field, which was revealed last year by the Daily Telegraph, follows in the footsteps of the All Blacks last year and could see the ARU bank a million dollars.
“We want to be able to challenge ourselves in different environments and quality opposition that we don’t necessarily play against week in, week out,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
Closer to home, the ruckus between the FFA and the AFL over the A-League Grand Final has arrived with interesting timing from a rugby perspective.
The FFA are upset the AFL are not willing to co-operate and vacate Etihad Stadium to allow them to play the decider between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC on Sunday.
Amid much gnashing of teeth, the Grand Final will be played instead at the Victory’s home, AAMI Park; the 30,000-seat venue which is also shared by the Melbourne Rebels, Storm and Melbourne City teams.
AAMI Park has been written off as “unsuitably small” for the decider but the ARU appear to hold a much different view, and are set to take one of their biggest games of next season to the rectangular stadium.
The Wallabies will play England in three Tests next in 2016 and instead of playing at Etihad Stadium, as usual, the ARU are likely to move it to AAMI Park to harness the intimate atmosphere.
The Docklands venue has attracted huge rugby crowds in the past: the 2013 British Lions clash holds the record and Wallabies Tests account for three of Etihad’s top seven biggest attendances.
But after drawing 33,888 against Wales in 2012 and 27, 189 against France last year, the ARU began looking at AAMI Park.
Though it could restrict a crowd size — and England do draw — smaller stadiums can often charge more for seats/boxes closer to the action, and ticket and corporate revenue can be maintained up to a certain point.
Asked about a possible move to AAMI Park, ARU general manager Rob Clarke said: “The ARU will look at what are the best venues to host Test matches in every market on their own merits, and there is no doubt that a rectangular stadium, and the ability for fans to be close to the action, is something we believe is a high priority.”
Maximising revenue from domestic Tests is vital for the ARU; thus the importance of the Wallabies’ trip to the USA later this year.
With the World Cup meaning no June Test series, and only two Tests in Australia in a shortened Rugby Championship, the ARU admit the agreement to play a profitable match against the USA (reported to be worth $1m) is significant.
“The opportunity to bring the Wallabies to a new market in the United States is a major boost for our code in Australia and opens the door to significant future commercial opportunities,” Mr Pulver said.
“The match also has significant revenue benefits for the ARU during a 2015 season where the Qantas Wallabies play only two Test matches on home soil.
“We want to thank USA Rugby for making this opportunity possible, in what will be an important two weeks for the Wallabies ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”
The Wallabies have played in the USA three times, the last occasion being the Eagles’ first Test ever 40 years ago.
The All Blacks played the USA at Soldier Field last year, the famous home venue of the Chicago Bears NFL team.
The Wallabies will fly from the USA to London ahead of their opening Pool Game against Fiji on Wednesday 23 September in Cardiff.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wa...-1227352333521
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