AFL match trial for rugby test

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Tonight's Aussie Rules match between St Kilda and Essendon will give rugby fans a glimpse of what to expect in tomorrow's test.

Tonight's AFL game in Melbourne could have a major influence on tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup rugby test between New Zealand and Australia.

All Blacks and Wallabies supporters will no doubt be keen to see how the Etihad Stadium surface fairs during the St Kilda-Essendon clash. The pitch, labelled 'unacceptable' just seven days ago, has had the portable heat lighting system hovering above it all week in preparation for three games in three days.

How the playing arena scrubs up after the Saints and Bombers tonight will be a major talking point before tomorrow's Wallabies and All Blacks battle, but spare a thought for the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne - they have to play Sunday afternoon on who knows what.