Record crowd expected for Perth’s Bledisloe Cup clash at Optus Stadium

A record crowd is expected when Australia hosts the All Blacks for the crucial Bledisloe Cup clash in Perth this weekend.

More than 60,000 fans are expected for the rugby rivalry — eclipsing this year's State of Origin attendance and three bumper AFL matches in 2018.

“We expect a big Kiwi contingent, lots of New Zealanders,” Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna said.

“The All Blacks are sought after all over the world.”

Ex-Wallaby Matt Hodgson says both teams will fire up for the occasion and put on a tough display.

“Lining up against (the All Blacks) ... when they're the number one team in the world, and they give you the haka, is pretty surreal,” he told Today Tonight.

“When the haka starts up and you get that buzz and that extra lift, and that’s not only from a player’s point of view but the crowd gets into it and everything like that.”

Australia haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002 and need a win at Optus Stadium before the return leg in Auckland on August 17.

NZ coach Steve Hansen experimented heavily with his squad the past two matches — a 20-16 win over Argentina and a 16-all draw with South Africa in Wellington — and has promised to unleash his strongest side against the Wallabies in Perth.

“It’s one of those games where you throw all the form out because sides rise to the occasion,” Hodgson said.

“We’re ready to take one off them, to do that in Perth would be pretty special.

“Then you never know, Perth might become a fortress for the Wallabies and see many more Test matches.”

A ground record would be a huge endorsement for rugby in WA — which is re-building its brand through the new look Western Force.