Wallabies Seek Redemption Against All Blacks In Second Bledisloe Cup Clash
Wallabies Seek Redemption Against All Blacks In Second Bledisloe Cup Clash
The Wallabies face the All Blacks in Wellington, aiming for redemption after a narrow Bledisloe Cup loss. Can they exploit New Zealand's recent struggles?
The Wallabies will have another shot at the All Blacks when they face off for the second, and final, time in the 2024 Bledisloe Cup.
While the trophy is out of reach for the 23rd consecutive year, pride and a potential upset still are on the line for Australia as the Wallabies head to Wellington.
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After their narrow 31-28 loss in Sydney, the Wallabies hope to exploit New Zealand’s recent struggles at Sky Stadium, where the All Blacks haven’t secured a win since 2018. It’s an unusual dip in form for a team as dominant as New Zealand, and Australia will look to take full advantage of this rare vulnerability.
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is navigating a challenging start, with his team managing only one win in The Rugby Championship, a narrow 20-19 victory against Argentina.
Despite being at the bottom of the table, a victory in Wellington could offer a glimmer of hope for Australian rugby’s future under Schmidt's leadership.
The Wallabies displayed fighting spirit in Sydney, but there were clear areas for improvement, especially in their opening intensity, where they quickly fell behind.
Similarly, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is feeling the pressure, despite his side being in a better position overall.
New Zealand’s performances have lacked the conviction expected from the three-time world champions, especially in the final 20 minutes of games. This late-match inconsistency has raised questions about the bench’s effectiveness, and Robertson will be eager to see an improved showing from his squad.
One of the key changes for this weekend's match is that Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half in place of Damian McKenzie. Robertson has emphasized the need to build depth in the squad, and Barrett’s experience will be crucial, especially as he partners with TJ Perenara in what will be the latter’s final international game on New Zealand soil.
It’s also a special occasion for Sam Cane, who earns his 100th cap in front of the Wellington crowd, making the match even more significant for the All Blacks.
For the Wallabies, matching the All Blacks’ intensity from the outset will be crucial. Schmidt hopes that scrumhalf Jake Gordon replacing Nic White can provide better control and dictate the pace of the game.
Meanwhile, including Dylan Pietsch on the wing offers Australia a fresh attacking threat, and the front-row duo of Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are expected to bring the power needed to compete.
While the Wallabies have the potential to exploit the All Blacks' recent late-game lapses, New Zealand's superior individual quality and home advantage make the All Blacks the favorites.
The All Blacks will be determined to break their Sky Stadium winless streak, and while the Wallabies are unlikely to match them in every department, they’ll aim to make life as difficult as possible for their trans-Tasman rivals in what promises to be a gripping encounter. All Blacks by 12.
All Blacks Vs. Australia Rugby Lineups
New Zealand
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 David Havili
Australia
15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Josh Flook
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