Wallabies v All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Game One Preview

Fri, Sep 26, 2025, 6:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Highlights from the Wallabies' Round 4 The Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas.

One of the oldest rivalries in World Rugby will resume as the Wallabies face the All Blacks at Eden Park.

The Bledisloe Cup series will begin at New Zealand's spiritual home as the Kiwis look to extend their 52-game unbeaten streak at the ground.

Watch the Wallabies take on the All Blacks live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

The Wallabies sit on top of the Rugby Championship table with just two points separating first and last.

Rugby.com.au previews all the action presented by Bet365

Teams

New Zealand (15-1): Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea (capt), Simon Parker; Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie

  • Ardie Savea takes the captaincy, with Scott Barrett ruled out with injury.
  • Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Codie Taylor, Patrick Tuipulotu and Caleb Clarke all return from injury.
  • As a result, Will Jordan shifts to fullback, with Damian McKenzie set to finish the game.

Australia (15-1): Max Jorgensen; Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole; James O'Connor, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost; Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper.

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Filipo Daugunu

  • Tate McDermott starts in his 50th game, with James O'Connor returning from the UK to partner him.
  • Harry Potter, Nick Frost and Len Ikitau return to the starting side, replacing Andrew Kellaway and Rob Valetini (both calf).
  • Allan Alaalatoa is back from a shoulder injury, with club teammate Ryan Lonergan in line for his Test debut.
Stats
  • New Zealand are unbeaten across their last 30 Tests against Australia in New Zealand.
  • Australia has outscored their opposition in the last five second halves; however, it has trailed at the break in its last four.
  • The All Blacks have never lost to each of Argentina, Australia and South Africa in the same Rugby Championship.
Key Match Up

Tupou Vaa'i v Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

The strategy for the Wallabies must be to target the set-piece with Scott Barrett out, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto the right man to do so.

Salakaia-Loto's injection into the starting side reflects their need to dominate this area if they are to rid themselves of their slow starts.

Vaa'i will need to pick up the load for an All Blacks side that sits second-last in TRC for lineout success and last for scrum success.

Prediction

All Blacks by 3

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