Overview
- Tate McDermott will undergo surgery for a hamstring injury suffered at Eden Park and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
- Nic White has rejoined Australia’s squad in Perth as halfback cover, with Jake Gordon expected to be available after Ryan Lonergan’s debut.
- Will Skelton and Rob Valetini have linked up with the Wallabies, creating selection calls for Joe Schmidt before the rematch.
- New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup with a 33-24 win in Auckland, but the Rugby Championship remains alive heading into Optus Stadium.
- All Blacks coach Scott Robertson urged greater consistency as injuries bite, with Beauden Barrett and Ethan de Groot ruled out and other fitness calls pending.