24 Jul 2008

ARU seeks explanation for poor Bledisloe sales

9:08 pm on 24 July 2008

As many as 4000 tickets remain unsold for Saturday's long-awaited Bledisloe Cup Test at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, and the Australian Rugby Union is seeking answers.

ARU officials still hope a crowd of close to 80,000 will attend the Test against the All Blacks in the 83,000-capacity Olympic stadium, but are disappointed that the match has not yet sold out.

ARU chief executive John O'Neill said an internet questionnaire to fans would hopefully supply answers.

Lack of interest from New Zealand is considered one reason behind the slower sales, with O'Neill suggesting the historic fourth Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong on 1 November was partly to blame.

The All Blacks have not felt inclined to do their bit for ticket sales this week, opting to remain in Wellington before flying to Sydney on Thursday.