AS reported by foxsports.com.au in October, New Zealand Rugby has gambled by taking this year’s third and potentially series deciding Bledisloe Cup Test to Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium — the venue for the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

NZR made the announcement official on Wednesday, with the Test to be held on October 27.

It will be the second Bledisloe Cup Test to be played in Japan, with the two teams previously squaring off at Tokyo’s National Stadium in 2009.

The All Blacks won that Test 32-19.

It is NZ’s turn to host two of the three Bledisloe Tests and they have prioritised their World Cup preparations over home advantage for the traditional trans-Tasman series.

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Wallaby James O'Connor is tackled by All Black Brad Thorn in Tokyo in 2009. Source: AFP

“We are looking forward to returning to Japan in October for what will be an incredible event, with one of the greatest rivalries in our game being fought out a year before the same venue hosts the Rugby World Cup final,” said Raelene Castle, Rugby Australia’s new Kiwi chief executive.

“The Bledisloe Cup clash at Yokohama offers a great opportunity for the Wallabies to play a major Test on Japanese soil in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup and will build the excitement in the host nation ahead of the showpiece event next September.”

The first Bledisloe Test will be played in Sydney on August 18, with the return match a week later in Auckland on August 25.

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An aerial view of Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The Wallabies played against Japan at Nissan Stadium in November, thrashing the Brave Blossoms 63-30.

“It will be great for the team to prepare in two of the Rugby World Cup cities and play at the same venues,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

“As well as preparing for a huge Bledisloe Cup Test and another important Test against Japan, it’ll also give the team a chance to have a really good dummy run of the facilities, and experience the unique Japanese culture.

“We look forward to again being hosted by the Japanese later in the year.”