“This Saturday the Qantas Wallabies have one of their best chances in recent years to claim back the Bledisloe Cup from New Zealand,” Mr Stoner said.

“Just two weeks ago more than 61,000 fans witnessed the NSW Waratahs take home their first Super Rugby trophy at ANZ Stadium and we are hoping for similar success from Saturday’s opening Bledisloe clash in Sydney.

“In 2012 the NSW Government secured this internationally acclaimed sporting event for Sydney each year for the next decade.

“Bledisloe isn’t just about breaking the Kiwis’ winning streak – the Bledisloe Cup Test matches and Festival will inject around $90 million into the NSW economy,” he said.

Minister Ayres said Sydney Olympic Park will be bathed in a sea of gold on Saturday night, with an expected crowd of around 70,000.

“With a bumper crowd expected, Sydney Olympic Park will be busy, so people should allow plenty of travel time to and from the game,” he said.

“With extra public transports services for the event and the price included in your ticket, I would encourage fans to catch a train or bus to the big match.

“The party kicks off at 4pm, family friendly live entertainment, on-site interviews with current and ex-Wallabies, and restaurants, cafes and bars open extended hours before and after the game,” he said.

Mr Stoner said the Bledisloe Cup Festival had helped generate interest in the lead-up to Saturday’s match.

”There is plenty of action off the field through the Bledisloe Cup Festival, featuring the Bush2Bledisloe Regional Tour, Bledisloe Cup race day at Royal Randwick Racecourse, Bledisloe Bay fan day and the inaugural BCF Women Leaders in Business and Sport Luncheon.

“Sydney and NSW are the heart of Rugby in Australia and we want fans to be able to celebrate the passion and support that follows the historic game.

“I look forward to welcoming our Trans-Tasman friends and fans from across Australia who are making the trip to Sydney to watch this Saturday’s match live, and hope that they will also have a chance to explore Sydney during their stay,” he said.

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