Overview

• New Zealand made six changes for the Perth Test with captain Scott Barrett back, then lost lock Tupou Vaa’i to a knee knock, promoting Fabian Holland to start.
• Australia overhauled their XV as Will Skelton starts after flying in from France, Tane Edmed takes the No. 10 jersey, James O’Connor drops to the bench, and Jake Gordon replaces the injured Tate McDermott.
• The title will be decided on Saturday with Australia vs New Zealand in a sell-out Perth Stadium and South Africa vs Argentina at Twickenham later.
• Standings enter the final round at South Africa 15, New Zealand 14, Australia 11, with the Springboks’ +55 points differential meaning a win in London likely secures back-to-back titles.
• Damian McKenzie starts at fly half for the All Blacks as injuries sideline Beauden Barrett, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax and Caleb Clarke, while Leicester Fainga’anuku returns for his first Test since the 2023 World Cup.