Wallabies to host Ireland at SCG in 2020

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The Wallabies will play a Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the first time in more than 30 years when they take on Ireland in 2020.

Rugby Australia confirmed on Friday that Australia would host the Irish in their second Test of the 2020 season in Sydney, their first at the SCG since 1986.

With Allianz Stadium being demolished and ANZ Stadium refurbished, Rugby Australia has had to look for alternative Test venues in Sydney.

The Wallabies played Samoa at the new Bankwest Stadium at Parramatta last year but have opted to return to the eastern part of of the city for next year’s second Test.

The SCG has played host to a number of Waratahs matches in recent seasons with Allianz Stadium’s demolition but the famous venue has not been popular with fans, who often find themselves far from the action.

Australia and Ireland last played at the SCG in 1979 and Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said the venue would be a nostalgic one for fans.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the most iconic venues in Australian sport and has hosted some of the most famous Rugby Test matches ever played in this country,” she told Rugby Australia’s official website.

ā€œReturning there in 2020 for the second Test against Ireland will be a nostalgic experience for those who watched Test matches there through the 60ā€™s, 70ā€™s and 80ā€™s, and a chance to be part of history for the younger generation watching a Test at the SCG for the first time.

ā€œThe last time these two countries played in Sydney the Stadium and the whole Paddington and Moore Park precinct came to life and was flooded with fans wearing green and gold, not to mention the on-field action which went right down to the wire as Ireland pipped the Wallabies to win the series.ā€

Friday’s announcement follows the confirmation of two Brisbane Tests and one in Melbourne, while the Wallabies are also expected to face Fiji in their third July Test, as World Rugby puts a greater emphasis on Tier One nations playing Tier Two teams more often.

Brisbane will host the opening Ireland Test and the third Bledisloe while Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will host the Bledisloe opener.

Wallabies July Series:

July 4 – Australia vs Ireland, Suncorp Stadium

July 11 – Australia vs Ireland, SCG

Rugby Championship:

August 8 – Australia vs New Zealand, Marvel Stadium

Bledisloe Cup:

October 17 – Australia vs New Zealand, Suncorp Stadium

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Australia