Overview
- New Zealand make six changes with Scott Barrett returning to captain, Damian McKenzie starting at fly-half and Leicester Fainga'anuku recalled on the wing, as Will Jordan marks his 50th Test.
- Injury absences for Beauden Barrett, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax and Caleb Clarke drive a reshuffle that also brings Rieko Ioane and Ruben Love onto the bench.
- Australia overhaul five positions as Will Skelton and Jake Gordon return to start, Tane Edmed is preferred at No.10 with James O’Connor benched, and Allan Alaalatoa and Filipo Daugunu join the XV.
- James Slipper lines up at loosehead prop for his 151st and final Test, with Rob Valetini returning via the bench after missing the Eden Park match.
- New Zealand can claim the Rugby Championship only with a win in Perth coupled with a South Africa defeat to Argentina at Twickenham, while Australia retain a narrow path that requires victory and help.