The Bledisloe Cup | Part II

This exhibition illuminates the pivotal role of Lord Bledisloe, who, recognising the burgeoning competition between Australia and New Zealand, donated the prominent trophy that bears his name in the early 1930s, initiating a new era of formal trans-Tasman rugby. 

This period covers the initial victories, including Australia's first Bledisloe Cup triumph in 1934, and sets the historical context for a rivalry so profound that the actual Bledisloe Cup trophy was famously lost during these early decades, only to be rediscovered years later.

This dark green jersey, worn by Malcolm Blair, is one of the earliest examples of Australia’s national rugby colours. Following the 1929 agreement between the New South Wales and Queensland Rugby Unions, green and gold became the official colours for the Australian rugby team.

The jersey features the Australian Coat of Arms on the chest and marks an important moment in the evolution of the national team’s identity.

This four-panel leather football, featuring white lacing, was manufactured by Roland, a New Zealand company. It is reputed to have been used in an early Bledisloe Cup match. Known as the 'Waratah', the ball exemplifies the traditional leather construction of rugby balls from this era.

Lord Bledisloe's gift was more than symbolic, it sought to strengthen ties across the Tasman, formalise an already fierce rivalry, and promote mutual respect through sport. Today, the Bledisloe Cup stands as a lasting legacy of his vision, uniting two nations in one of rugby’s greatest contests.

This representative cap belonged to Alec Ross, who captained Australia during the 1934 two-Test series against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop made his national representative debut against the All Blacks at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 23 July 1932. He also represented Australia in the first test match of the 1934 Bledisloe Cup, which Australia won 25-11.

The Australian team uniform was changed to gold jerseys with an Australian Coat of Arms badge, as officials felt the green jersey was not indistinct enough against the All Blacks jersey.

This jersey was donated by Bill McLaughlin, who played against New Zealand in 1936. Expert assessment suggests this jersey likely originates from the 1938 All Blacks tour. The upright silver fern crest on the front and lace-up design closely match those seen in photographs from the third Test. While official team portraits from 1938 show button-up jerseys, it's believed players also used "spare" lace-up jerseys, potentially repurposed from earlier tours and updated with the fern emblem.

Roy Cawsey made his test debut against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1949.  He played his final test for Australia against New Zealand in Auckland when the Wallabies won the Bledisloe Cup for the 2nd time.  Cawsey played three tests for Australia from 1947 until 1949.