Overview
- The opening Bledisloe Test is set for Saturday at Eden Park with New Zealand moving Damian McKenzie to fly-half and recalling Beauden Barrett to fullback because of injuries to Ruben Love and Richie Mo’unga.
- Australia named a largely unchanged side with Isaac Henry replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami and arrive on a six-match unbeaten run after a 42-38 win over South Africa in Perth.
- Coaches have framed the match as significant for longer-term plans, with Dave Rennie under pressure to protect Eden Park’s record and Les Kiss using the Test to build momentum toward the 2027 World Cup.
- New Zealand’s recent 3-1 series loss to South Africa and the absence of leaders such as Ardie Savea have forced unorthodox selection choices and increased scrutiny on squad depth in the forwards and backs.
- Players and staff emphasised belief and composure ahead of kickoff, with visitors drawing confidence from last year’s Ellis Park comeback and the Wallabies receiving a morale boost from former Wallaby Nathan Charles visiting the captain’s run.