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Bledisloe Cup: Logistics Confirmed as All Blacks v Australia Perth Kick-Off Time Set at 5:45 PM AWST By Our Rugby Correspondent, Perth, Western Australia The highly anticipated second Test of the Bledisloe Cup and final round of The Rugby Championship 2025 between the Wallabies and the All Blacks has been officially confirmed for a 5:45 PM AWST (Australian Western Standard Time) kick-off at Optus Stadium in Perth. The scheduling decision for the sold-out fixture, taking place on Saturday, 4 October, balances the demands of local fan attendance and crucial trans-Tasman broadcasting commitments, leading to mixed reactions regarding optimal viewing times across Australia and New Zealand. The Logistics of the Time Differential The confirmed all-blacks-v-australia-perth-kick-off-time of 5:45 PM AWST represents a strategic compromise by SANZAAR and Rugby Australia. Western Australia, operating on AWST (UTC+8), is two hours behind the more heavily populated Eastern States (AEST/AEDT, UTC+10), meaning the match will begin at 7:45 PM AEST in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, the more significant impact is felt in New Zealand, the All Blacks’ home territory, which operates on New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT, UTC+13). Due to the five-hour time differential, the game will start at 10:45 PM NZDT, effectively pushing the conclusion of the match well into Sunday morning. This late slot has historically been a point of friction, challenging the ability of family and younger audiences in New Zealand to tune in for the entire fixture. A spokesperson for Rugby Australia noted the scheduling effort was designed primarily to enhance the live match-day experience for the Western Australian public.
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“We must prioritise the local experience when hosting a major Test match in a unique market like Perth,” the official stated. “A 5:45 PM start on a Saturday allows families and younger supporters to attend the magnificent Optus Stadium, enjoy the pre-match atmosphere, and travel home at a reasonable hour, ensuring a full house for what is the only Bledisloe Test on Australian soil this year. ” Broadcast and Audience Compromises Despite the focus on the local crowd, the evening scheduling in the East and the late-night timing in New Zealand highlight the perennial challenges of coordinating major sporting events across the vast geographical spread of the participating nations. Long-time rugby analyst and former international player, Justin Marshall, commented on the balance needed in modern rugby administration. “The 5:45 PM AWST kick-off is perfect for the 60,000 people inside Optus Stadium, and the 7:45 PM slot in Eastern Australia is certainly a good viewing window for Stan Sport and the Nine Network,” Marshall stated in an interview. “But there's no doubt that the New Zealand audience is paying a price here. 10:45 PM is a tough ask for core fans, let alone casual viewers. SANZAAR constantly juggles the revenue streams—live gate receipts versus broadcast value—and in this instance, the match-day logistics and the Eastern Australian prime-time market appear to have won the negotiation, even if it inconveniences a major portion of the viewing public.
” For European audiences, particularly in the UK, the schedule is far more favourable. With the match kicking off at 10:45 AM BST, the fixture falls into a convenient weekend morning slot, providing a substantial international viewing window. Sporting Stakes and Context Beyond the logistical complexities of the kick-off time, the Test carries significant weight for both sides. As the sixth and final round of The Rugby Championship 2025, the results will confirm the final standings of the tournament. The match also marks the second and final instalment of the Bledisloe Cup series for the year, with the All Blacks having already retained the trophy following their victory in Auckland two weeks prior. For the Wallabies, led by coach Joe Schmidt, the match represents a crucial opportunity to restore pride and secure a valuable Rugby Championship win, potentially lifting them higher on the table. The occasion is also marked by the final Test appearance of veteran prop James Slipper, who will earn his 151st cap. His farewell is expected to add an emotional charge to the Wallabies' performance.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, will be seeking consistency after a fluctuating campaign. Despite securing the Bledisloe Cup, a strong finish is vital as they look ahead to their end-of-year tour. New Zealand's focus will be on maintaining their superior record in recent trans-Tasman clashes and building momentum under new leadership. Outlook The confirmation of the all-blacks-v-australia-perth-kick-off-time ensures that the focus can now shift entirely to the on-field battle. With Optus Stadium sold out and the teams both fielding strong line-ups, including the return of Will Skelton for Australia and several injury-enforced changes for New Zealand, the stage is set for a high-intensity conclusion to the 2025 southern hemisphere season. While the late broadcast time may affect viewership in New Zealand, the atmosphere in Perth and the decisive nature of the fixture for The Rugby Championship table guarantee a compelling encounter regardless of the clock. The match promises to be a final, fierce showdown between rugby’s greatest rivals.
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