'I love that idea': Bledisloe Cup on Anzac Day gets backing from Harry Wilson
Updated . First published at
WELLINGTON: Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has thrown his weight behind the idea of playing Bledisloe Cup rugby on Anzac Day.
Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby are close to agreeing terms on the concept, which would require Super Rugby Pacific clubs to release players to prepare for a historic April fixture.
The first Anzac Day Bledisloe is set to be played in Perth in 2026 and an enthusiastic Wilson wants in.
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Harry Wilson talking to media during the Wallabies captain's run at Rugby League Park. Getty
"Would love to," Wilson told reporters ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe clash with the All Blacks in Wellington.
"I think that'd be awesome for the rivalry and having that in between the Super season, I think it would be really cool. And having a three match series, I think would also be something which everyone would enjoy. So, I guess for me, personally, I love that idea."
Wilson will captain Australia for the fourth time at Sky Stadium after his surprise appointment for the win against Argentina in La Plata.
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All Blacks captain Scott Barrett and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson with the Bledisloe Cup. Getty
Losses to the Pumas and All Blacks have followed but the well liked Queensland No.8 says he is relishing the prestigious role.
"The more time I've spent the role, the more comfortable I've probably felt in it and obviously it did come as a surprise in the first place," Wilson told Wide World of Sports.
"And I guess from there, I've built a little bit of confidence in it... my job honestly hasn't changed too much.
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"It's just a little bit more media duty and talking a little bit more."
When Wilson was handed the armband in August he became Australia's eighth skipper in the last 15 Tests and the fourth under coach Joe Schmidt this season.
It remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old will keep the job long-term but Schmidt gave him a cautious tick on Thursday and the team is craving stability.
Schmidt's original choice, Liam Wright, remains sidelined with injury and Wallabies legend Tim Horan recently warned it was time to make a commitment.
"Joe, he's had so many different captains," Horan told Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven.
"I think in time though, what he's going to have to do is pick someone - whether it's a Fraser McReight, whether it's an Angus Bell or whether it's a Harry Wilson - someone who's going to be picked every single week in that side.
"Otherwise you end up chopping and changing and as a player, you don't know who the real captain is, or a vice-captain. So he's going to have to pick and stick at some stage for his captain."
Wide World of Sports asked Wilson - not a captain at the Reds - whether he wanted to be the long-term leader.
"For me, it's real week to week now," he said.
"I'm just about trying to go Test match to Test match and just see what happens from there. But, like, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa and Nic White are in this group.
"How much they've been helping me has been awesome. They're really my mentors and I lean on them. I've got a few past Wallabies who are always a call away if I need any more help.
"So I feel quite privileged to be in this position. And I know there's a lot of people who really care for me and are helping me in this position."
Harry Wilson of the Wallabies takes to the field to train at Lakeside Stadium. Getty
He is an actions man but Wilson said his team talks were getting "slightly better."
A keen Maroons State of Origin fan, Wilson confirmed there had been no 'Queenslander' cries down the tunnel.
"I'm sure a few of the NSW boys might give me a jab in the ribs, so none of that."
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook
