The All Blacks have made eight changes to their matchday 23 as they prepare for kick off in the second Bledisloe Cup clash this Saturday, while Wallabies coach Les Kiss has also made several alterations after last week’s defeat at Eden Park.
This Saturday’s clash will takeplace at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and the last time the teams met at this venue in 2024, the All Blacks only snuck a 31-28 victory.
However, New Zealand have already retained the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park last weekend. It was the 54th time New Zealand has won the trophy and the 24th consecutive year they’ve held it.
Kick off this Saturday is at 07:00 (SA time).
HERE ARE THE TEAMS FOR KICK OFF BETWEEN THE ALL BLACKS AND WALLABIES
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Rieko Ioane.
Date: Saturday, October 17:
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 06
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
Lots to play for
After a convincing win last weekend, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said they knew this Saturday would be a completely new challenge, especially as the team contends with several injury setbacks.
“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line. We put in a performance befitting the occasion,” Rennie said. “Now we need to back that performance up.”
“The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week. It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
Kiss said Australia got a clear picture last weekend of where they need to be better.
“We’ve said all along we’ll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week,” Kiss said.
“This Saturday will be a great occasion with the Wallaroos and Sevens teams also playing in our own backyard.
“Playing our final Test on home soil for 2026 is a huge motivator and we’re determined to put out a performance all Australians can be proud of.”