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NOT FAKE NEWS: CNN INVESTIGATES WHAT MAKES THE ALL BLACKS TICK

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“Throughout my time as an All Black it was a Test match that I always looked forward to, it was always hotly contested and it’s always physical and fast paced. I have a few friends that live over here and they always say when we lose they cop it the most. So there’s always a little bit more riding on those games,” Mealamu said.

Although Australia haven’t held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, the rivalry is always fierce with Australia taking out the last Test played between the sides in Brisbane last year.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said the new stadium in Perth is a fitting arena for such a big clash between the old rivals.

“This isn’t just any test match, this is one of the most important games that the Wallabies will play next year.

Not just because it’s against our traditional rivals, the All Blacks, but also because it’s one of the last chances to prepare before the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan the following month.”

The All Blacks and Australia are set for three Tests this year with the first Test taking place in Sydney on 18 August and the second Test the following weekend in Auckland on 25 August (get your tickets HERE). The third Bledisloe Cup Test will be played in Japan on 27 October.