Australia vs New Zealand — Bledisloe Cup III
Saturday 21 October, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, 8pm AEDT (7pm local)
* HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the 140th Test match between these two nations. New Zealand holds a commanding lead with 98 wins to Australia’s 35, while there have been six draws. The Wallabies have prevailed just once in the last 16 clashes.
* IN BRISBANE
The Wallabies often boast about their formidable record in Brisbane but it’s not particularly strong against the All Blacks. Of the 21 trans-Tasman Tests played in the city, Australia has won three times – and just twice in the last 88 years. A nailbiter is likely, however, with the last five matches at Suncorp Stadium all decided by five points or less.
* THE BOOKMAKERS
Australia were at the longest odds they’ve ever been heading into the second Bledisloe Cup Test. But despite their near miss in Dunedin and continued progress over the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies are still rank $5 outsiders for this clash according to TAB Sportsbet. The All Blacks are $1.17 favourites.
* WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT
Rookie Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has been ruled out of the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery this week. He has been replaced in the starting line-up by Rob Simmons – but otherwise, Australia is settled and pretty much at full strength. The All Blacks, however, are missing Beauden Barrett (concussion), winger Nehe Milner-Skudder (shoulder) and lock Brodie Retallick (personal reasons).
* SQUADS
Wallabies: Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (captain), Jack Dempsey, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Tui, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Henry Speight.
All Blacks: Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Kane Hames. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili.