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Welcome to live coverage of Bledisloe II between the Wallabies and All Blacks from Eden Park. Kick-off: 5:05pm AEST.
The stage is set for one of the spiciest Bledisloe Cup Tests in years, after a dramatic build-up to their trans-Tasman rivalry.
From the moment French referee Mathieu Raynal blew his whistle to stop Bernard Foley dead in his tracks at Marvel Stadium tempers have soared to extreme highs.
From Foley’s kick to Darcy Swain’s six-week ban and Rieko Ioane’s “mouthing off” about the Wallabies’ response to their haka, the build-up to this week’s Bledisloe has seen it all.
After nine days of heated debate and sledges across the ditch, the Wallabies have the chance to do the talking on the field.
Eden Park, where the Wallabies have not beaten the All Blacks at since 1986, is the venue for the second and final Bledisloe Cup fixture of the year. The match is also the final match for the two nations of this year’s Rugby Championship, with the trophy wide open for the taking.
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Both nations have been forced into changes, with the Wallabies losing lock Matt Philip and Rob Leota, as well as reserve prop Scott Sio.
They have been replaced by Cadeyrn Neville and Harry Wilson in the starting side, while Angus Bell makes his return from injury via the bench.
Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made a number of changes, including a brand new back-row featuring Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i and Akira Ioane.
Foster has lost skipper Sam Cane (concussion), with Sam Whitelock taking over the captaincy.
The make-up of the midfield is an intriguing one, Jordie Barrett shifting to inside centre which sees brother Beauden come into the starting side at fullback.
WALLABIES (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki, James Slipper (c)
Reserves: Folau Fainga’a, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Nick Frost, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Akira Ioane; Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sevu Reece
Follow all the live action in our blog below!
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