Australian rugby is buzzing with anticipation as the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth looms just over two weeks away. Tickets are vanishing at a staggering pace—by the end of today, they could be completely gone, with only a handful left at last count. If it does indeed sell out, it will mark the sixth Wallabies Test from the last nine played on home soil to reach full capacity, a remarkable sign that rugby’s popularity in Australia is on a serious upswing. Even matches that didn’t quite sell out, like the one at the MCG, still pulled in jaw-dropping numbers, with over 90,000 fans packing the stands. Who says rugby isn’t back in the hearts of Aussies?
The excitement isn’t just about ticket sales. The Wallabies’ 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride, with four wins and four losses so far. They came heartbreakingly close to clinching the second British and Irish Lions Test, only to fall just short and lose the series. Still, their resilience shone through with a miraculous win in Johannesburg, even though the Mandela Plate slipped through their fingers in South Africa. In Townsville, the Wallabies dug deep for a dramatic 86th-minute winner against Argentina, though their hopes for silverware were dashed after a late comeback by the Pumas in Sydney. Earlier in the year, they narrowly squeaked past Fiji in Newcastle, proving that every match this season has been a nail-biter.
Winning, as always, is the best advertisement for the game. But it’s not just about the results. The mood among fans—despite a gut-wrenching 28-26 loss to Argentina at a record-packed Allianz Stadium—has been electric. The energy was reminiscent of Bradley Cooper’s iconic “We are Back!” moment from The Hangover, and it’s a sentiment that’s echoing across rugby clubs nationwide.
That passion was on full display at a junior rugby club presentation in Sydney last Sunday. Rod Anderson, the club’s treasurer and a man known for his no-nonsense approach to the game, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the Wallabies’ fighting spirit. “Mate, I don’t really care if they win or not—if they continue to play like that, I’ll back ‘em every day,” Anderson declared. And he’s hardly alone. The stands at Allianz Stadium were a sea of gold, and the surge in Wallabies merchandise seen on weekend walks—jerseys, hats, scarves, and even dog coats—suggests the so-called ‘John Howard Index’ of rugby interest is climbing fast.
As the Wallabies prepare for their next showdown with the All Blacks, the team’s blend of grit and flair is drawing in fans old and new. The prospect of reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in 22 years is tantalizing. If they manage it, don’t be surprised if former Prime Minister John Howard, now 86, dusts off his tracksuit for an enthusiastic stroll among the faithful.
Yet, amid the growing optimism, the Wallabies are also adjusting to a major change in their lineup. Veteran scrum-half Nic White, aged 35, has confirmed his retirement from international rugby for the second time. White initially stepped away after the Wallabies’ series against the British and Irish Lions in early August, but was drawn back in when first-choice scrum-half Jake Gordon was sidelined by injury. White’s return proved invaluable; he helped Australia clinch a 22-12 victory over the Lions in the final Sydney Test and started in matches against South Africa (in both Johannesburg and Cape Town) as well as Argentina (in Townsville and Sydney).
Now, with Gordon back to full fitness, White has made his retirement official. He won’t be suiting up for the remaining Bledisloe Cup clashes at Eden Park in Auckland or Optus Stadium in Perth. White broke the news to fans with trademark humor, posting 18 photos to social media alongside the caption: “F* I’m gonna miss it.” One particularly poignant image showed his most recent Wallabies jersey, from the tight loss to Argentina in Sydney, with the handwritten note: “Test 77 & out!”
Teammates were quick to chime in, many refusing to believe White’s Test career was truly over. James O’Connor wrote, “One more time, one more time. Been an absolute pleasure.” Andrew Kellaway added, “77 (potential unretirement) – great innings,” while Tom Wright cheekily pleaded, “Give us one more!!” It’s clear White’s presence has left an indelible mark on the squad.
White’s international journey began in 2013 against Argentina in Perth. Over 77 Tests, he’s donned the gold jersey with pride, representing not only the Brumbies and Western Force in Super Rugby, but also plying his trade with Montpellier in France (2015-2017) and Exeter Chiefs in England (2017-2020). His initial retirement at the end of July was marked by gratitude and humility. “Pulling on the gold jersey was a dream of mine, rugby has given me so much to be grateful for,” White said. He acknowledged the fierce competition for the scrum-half spot and expressed confidence in the next generation: “It feels like the right time to pass on the baton with some more good young players coming through who will need time in the saddle leading into what’s going to be an unbelievable experience of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”
White’s departure is both a moment of reflection and a sign of the Wallabies’ evolving identity. With Jake Gordon back in the mix and a crop of fresh talent eager for opportunity, the team is poised for both challenges and triumphs ahead. The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Tests remain critical stages for this transition, and fans are watching closely to see who will seize the moment.
As anticipation builds for the Perth Test, the Wallabies’ journey is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about rekindling a national passion for rugby, inspiring a new generation, and honoring the legacy of players like Nic White. Whether or not the Wallabies can finally reclaim the Bledisloe Cup after more than two decades, one thing’s for sure: the spirit of Australian rugby is alive and kicking, and the nation is ready for whatever comes next.
