Bledisloe Cup to retain two-match format

AUCKLAND, Aug 31 (Reuters) -- The trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup series will remain a two-match contest in 2005, although New Zealand and Australia are keen to add a third match in the future.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and its Australian counterpart had discussed expanding the series to three matches for next year, but were unable to agree on the venue for the extra match.

The NZRU had wanted the third match to be played in New Zealand on a revenue-sharing basis in June, before the home series against the British Lions, because the All Blacks have held the cup for the past two years.

"What we said to them was that we didn't want to play a third Bledisloe Cup match in Australia," NZRU chief executive Chris Moller told Radio Sport.

"We said that, in fairness, the extra match should be played in New Zealand because, after all, we are the holders of the cup.

"But we were advised today that our offer has been declined.

"I think it is just a bit of a hiccup," he added. "You've got to expect there to be times when we disagree."

Relationships between the neighbours were soured in the run-up to the 2003 World Cup, when New Zealand lost the right to co-host the tournament. However, Moller said the two unions had been in harmony over the last 12 months.

The Bledisloe Cup series has traditionally been played over a two-match home and away format.

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