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.
Noah
Guest
Good one
Patrick Effeney
Editor
I too confess that.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Terrible!
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Depth is a problem, but lealiifano was encouraging.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Forgot Sio from that list as well.
Common Sense
Guest
Why did my comment get deleted?
Common Sense
Guest
He's just reporting a problem that a lot of us are experiencing, stop being a dlck.
richard
Guest
Correction,dusted by an interfering local tv producer cynically affecting the outcome of a match.
jeznez
Roar Guru
And a Wallaby side missing Moore, Polota-Nau, Pocock, Palu, Genia, Toomua, Beale, Speight, Cummins and has Cooper unused off the bench as he returns from injury is our A team?
steve
Guest
As they say shes not over till the fat lady sings lol that wiped the smirk off the Wallabies skippers face.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
I read all sorts of rugby articles from around the world and it appears that only Australians seem to have a problem with refs "treating players like schoolboys" or feeling as though a referee's talk is condescending. I've even noticed it in some of the commentary. IMO the ref is "sir" on the rugby field, whether you're 33 years old (and the ref is the same age) or wether you're 10 years old. Finished. It's Rugby not soccer. And you don't swear at the ref or swear at other players in front of the ref. Finished. You don't do it. And if you do then you're acting like a schoolboy and should be treated like one, regardless of your age. Grow up and respect others, especially authority (i.e. the referee). Brits, French, South Africans and Kiwi's and seem to have a problem with it and most of the time kindly oblige with "sorry sir". Unless you're Dylan Hartley!! I don't know why this is the case with Aussies?? Perhaps there's maybe a cultural difference somewhere or the ref is viewed differently....? I dunno..... Someone else could enlighten me? I'm not saying Aussies don't have respect for others because in my experience many do, but it is a theme that I've noticed in Aus rugby. The public used to give Kaplan a hard time when he told off Aussie players too. But no other nations fans did, it was never ever an issue and it's not as though Kaplan acted any different. So I don't understand it? Joubert was 100% right in my opinion. Or maybe other teams just shut up in front of the ref? I don't know??
Jerry
Guest
He was only penalised twice in the entire match....
Cadfael
Roar Guru
On the other hand, a kick to the corner and a lineout win would have kept the game in the ABs quarter and a likely win. But this wouldn't have been his decision.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
It's annoying all these comments on how poor Hooper is as a captain. He was never the first choice or second or third. Genia, Moore injured and Mowen moved on. Yes McCaw was about the same age but he captained a very experience3d and winning team. Big difference.
DaniE
Roar Guru
I wondered if Savea was last night
Tristan Rayner
Editor
We had a few problems with comments on this thread, but all fixed now. Thanks for letting us know, Roarers!
Ibnul
Guest
Hey guys any idea on why the comment section on this blog aint loading? The others are..
RobC
Roar Guru
Just checked. Yup. Its Fekitoa
Richie Walton
Roar Guru
BB I agree with you somewhat - however plenty of captains or teammates step in to defend their halfback when being roughed up. Joubert's choice of language is demeaning, why not just ask them to stop and back off rather than apply the schoolboy dressing down?
Richie Walton
Roar Guru
Warned the first time, warned the second time and on the 3rd occasion still no card Die hard. Not hating on him at all, he's the greatest of all time in my book. Joubert gave him warnings after warning last night and never followed up on it. Good on him, he knows he can push the boundaries with referees and does it well. It's just what wallaby fans are infuriated by - inconsistency.