The Tri Nations was launched in 1996 as a direct consequence of rugby union turning professional after the 1995 World Cup.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, spotting the commercial opportunity of promoting southern hemisphere rugby, joined forces to form SANZAR, which led in turn to the creation of the Super 12 (now Super 14) and Tri Nations tournaments.

SANZAR negotiated multi-million-dollar television deals to ensure its matches would be broadcast around the world. Television audiences and betting revenues have since grown year on year.

The event has been dominated by the All Blacks. They won the inaugural match 43-6 against Australia in Wellington and did not lose their first game until 1998, going down 24-16 to the same opponents in Melbourne. All told, New Zealand have won nine of the 13 editions held from 1996-2008.

Australia won their first crown in 2000, following two dramatic matches against the New Zealanders. The first, at Stadium Australia in Sydney, was won 39-35 by the All Blacks in front of a world-record crowd of 109,874. The Wallabies got their revenge by winning the return in Wellington 25-24. The Australians also won in 2001.

South Africa have also won two Tri Nations, the first in 1998 and the last in 2004.

The 2009 tournament will see each side playing three home and three away matches, beginning with New Zealand hosting Australia in Auckland and concluding with the same sides meeting in Wellington on September 19.