Wallabies v New Zealand and Wallaroos v Scotland Preview

Fri, Oct 16, 2026, 8:34 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Highlights from the Wallabies' clash with the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup Test of The Flight Centre Series at Eden Park, Auckland.

A monster slate of matches is set for Saturday as Australian Rugby descends on Accor Stadium.

The Wallabies will hunt revenge against the All Blacks as they finish the Bledisloe Cup series in Sydney.

Watch every second of Saturday's quad-header with the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Before that, the Wallaroos are out to wrap up a series win over Scotland after their last start success.

Rugby.com.au previews both Tests, presented by Bet365.

Sunday October 17 12:00 pm AEDT – Wallaroos v Scotland at Accor Stadium, Sydney, live and on demand on Stan Sport 
Teams

WALLAROOS (15-1): Desiree Miller, Amelia Whitaker, Georgina Friedrichs, Faitala Moleka, Maya Stewart, Waiaria Ellis, Samantha Wood, Pia Tapsell, Piper Duck, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (capt), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Faliki Pohiva, Brittany Merlo, Brianna Hoy

Replacements: Tania Naden, Allana Sikimeti, Eva Karpani, Jemma Bemrose, Emily Chancellor, Lily Bone, Piper Simons, Cecilia Smith

  • Maya Stewart returns on the wing, pushing Desiree Miller to fullback.
  • Eva Karpani and Allana Sikimeti return to the squad via the bench.
  • Sevens playmaker Piper Simons has been added to the replacements.

SCOTLAND (15-1): Hannah Ramsay, Rhona Lloyd, Evie Wills, Meryl Smith, Katie Buchanan, Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden, Evie Gallagher, Rachel McLachlan, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Sarah Bonar, Holland Bogan, Elliann Clarke, Lana Skeldon, Anne Young

Replacements: Aicha Sutcliffe, Leah Bartlett, Molly Poolman, Hollie Cunningham, Eva Donaldson, Ceitidh Ainsworth, Shona Campbell, Chloe Rollie

  • Katie Buchanan is set for her debut start, named on the wing.
  • Leia Brebner-Holden comes into the halves, partnering vice captain Helen Nelson
Stats
  • The Wallaroos have won five of their last eight home games.
  • Scotland have lost seven of their last eight away games, including to the Wallaroos in 2024.
  • Scotland have never toured to Australia in their history, still yet to defeat the Wallaroos.
Key Match Up

Pia Tapsell v Evie Gallagher

Tapsell has been the find of the year for the Wallaroos, setting a physical tempo during their European tour.

She’ll need to do the same on Saturday, with Gallagher the key lynchpin in the Scottish pack.

Gallagher’s absence was evident when she was yellow carded last start, needing a big game to lift the team to a maiden win over Australia.

Prediction

Wallaroos by 14

Sunday October 17 3:45 pm AEDT – Wallabies v All Blacks at Accor Stadium, Sydney, live and on demand on Stan Sport 
Teams

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Isaac Henry, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross.

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu

  • Declan Meredith starts at flyhalf for Ben Donaldson (leg), with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips set for his debut off the bench.
  • Aidan Ross and Harry Potter come into the starting side, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifting to the centres.
  • Josh Canahm, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas and Filipo Daugunu come onto the bench.

ALL BLACKS (15-1): Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (capt), George Bower.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane

  • Fabian Holland and George Bower start in the tight five in place of Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot.
  • Josh Moorby replaces the injured Leroy Carter on the wing.
  • Du’Plessis Kirifi and Timoci Tavatavanawai are among the new bench faces.
Stats
  • The All Blacks have won the last 12 games against the Wallabies.
  • The Wallabies have won their last three home games, while the All Blacks have lost their last three away.
  • The All Blacks lead 11-6 against the Wallabies in their head-to-head battle at Accor Stadium.
Key Match Up

Will Jordan v Harry Potter

This match-up is all about the battle in the air, with the All Blacks dominant in the first Test.

The Kiwis blew the Aussies away at Eden Park, with a similar gameplan set to be deployed.

The Wallabies must neutralise their effectiveness, with Potter among several set to come under heavy scrutiny.

Prediction

All Blacks by 3

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