The Vodafone Wallabies will kick start their Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series campaign in Perth on Saturday June 15 when they do battle with the New Zealand Maori at Subiaco Oval.

One of the great institutions in World Rugby, the Maori is a team that will be full of All Blacks keen to impress New Zealand Coach John Mitchell ahead of the Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney during August.

It had been a break of 42 years since the Maori had visited Australian shores before last year’s match against the Vodafone Wallabies at Sydney Football Stadium.

That match was a thrilling contest with the Vodafone Wallabies scoring two late tries to seal the win 41-29.

Vodafone Wallabies coach Eddie Jones knows how strong the Maori team can be.

‘Last year they had 11 All Blacks in their team and nine of them went on to play for the All Blacks later in the year,’ explained Jones.

‘They are a team that plays with enormous passion and they command great respect.’

It will be the first time the Maori have visited Perth and it is an ideal opportunity for Western Australians to see Vodafone Wallaby and All Blacks players in action.

Western Australian Tourism Minister Clive Brown said that the Australia and New Zealand Maori match would be a spectacle for Perth’s growing rugby union fan base as well as a drawcard for interstate and international visitors.

‘This match is the second test for Perth under a five year agreement between the Western Australian Government and the Australian Rugby Union.

‘The events resulting from this agreement are expected to generate $30 million in economic benefits for the State,’ Mr Brown said

Last year’s Tri Nations match against the Springboks attracted a sell-out crowd to Subiaco Oval with the match ending in a thrilling 14-all draw.

With the 2003 Rugby World Cup being held in Australia next year, Perth is guaranteed to get world-class Rugby matches and the match against the Maori will be a great chance for all West Australians to see the Vodafone Wallabies prepare for one of the top-three sporting events in the World.

The Vodafone Wallabies secured back-to-back Tri Nations trophies last year, while also winning the Bledisloe Cup for the fourth year running and also securing Australia’s first ever series win over the Lions.

More Information can be found at the Australian Rugby Union website at www.rugby.com.au

Tickets for the Subiaco Oval match go on sale Tuesday May 14th from all Ticketmaster7 outlets, by calling 1300 136 122 or at www.ticketmaster7.com