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The Wallabies host the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test of 2014. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8.05pm (AEDT).
The All Blacks have already secured the Bledisloe for 2014 with a draw and win from the previous two matches but this match is no less significant for a number reasons.
The build-up to this match has unfortunately been overshadowed by recent events concerning the Wallabies and ARU, but at least for tonight we can fully turn our attention to some on-field action.
Watch live on TEN with expert commentators Gordon Bray and Matt Burke
That being said, a solid performance from the Wallabies team is crucial, with the coach and senior players’ attitude and leadership being questioned. The Wallabies are well under the spotlight and need a performance to relieve some of the surrounding pressure.
The Wallabies will have plenty of motivation to also perform after a below par performance in their last outing against Argentina. Furthermore, this is Adam Ashley-Cooper’s 100th cap for Australia, so the team will want to lift on the night the right winger joins a select club.
Christian Lealiifano returns to the starting team at second five, replacing the injured Matt Toomua, and Quade Cooper returns to top-flight rugby sitting on the bench.
The only other change from the Wallabies last outing sees James Horwill drop from the starting team to the bench for the fit-again Rob Simmons, with Will Skelton dropping out of the match day 23 altogether.
Coach Ewen MacKenzie has kept the bulk of his starting team together despite a disappointing Rugby Championship and they have one last chance in front of a home crowd to perform before embarking on their end of year tour.
The All Blacks too won’t lack for motivation after coming off a last-gasp loss to South Africa at Ellis Park. Their first loss since 2012 will have them eager to get back to winning ways.
Steve Hansen has also shown faith in his starting team from Ellis Park, with the only changes being players returning from injury. Wyatt Crockett, Brodie Retallick and Dane Coles reclaim their starting positions, with Kevin Mealamu dropping to the bench.
Ben Smith and Jerome Kaino have been handed a rest, replaced by Cory Jane and Liam Messam respectively.
The bench sees a bit of a shake-up also. Jeremy Thrush is unavailable due to concussion, so Patrick Tuipulotu steps in to provide lock cover, and Sam Cane returns to the bench to provide loose-forward cover.
TJ Perenara replaces the injured Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the bench and Charles Piatau rides the pine as the outside back cover.
The major talking point has been the selection of Beauden Barrett over the available again Aaron Cruden. Barrett has been heavily criticised in many quarters for his performance against South Africa and his efforts will come under heavy scrutiny.
Both teams have plenty to play for, and a tense and intriguing battle lays in wait.
Tip: All Blacks by 18.
Join us here on The Roar as we cover all the action live and don’t forget to post your own comments as the match unfolds.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.