Australia and New Zealand named their teams for the 2020 Bledisloe Cup, with matchday squads for Bledisloe 4 selected by each side. The Wallabies won the match 24-22.

Both the Wallabies and All Blacks made a massive number of changes for the match, with a combined seven debutants selected. Dave Rennie made six changes to his starting XV alone, while Ian Foster made ten from the team which won Game 3 in Sydney.

Bledisloe 2020 teams

Bledisloe 4

Bledisloe 3

Both teams made a number of changes to their sides for Bledisloe 3, many of them forced.

With Matt To’omua (groin/adductor) and James O’Connor (knee) both out, the Wallabies brought in uncapped duo Noah Lolesio and Irae Simone to run the side at flyhalf and inside centre. Jordan Petaia and Allan Alaalatoa were both promoted from the bench into the run-on team for Hunter Paisami and Taniela Tupou respectively, and Dane Haylett-Petty replaces Tom Banks at fullback.

There are two more debutants on the bench as well: Reds teammates Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott both were named for their first Test appearances.

New Zealand were unable to pick three of their players from Game 2: Joe Moody (injury: concussion), and Ardie Savea and Nepo Laulala (both paternity leave).

Karl Tu’inukuafe takes Moody’s place in the starting front row, Hoskins Sotutu moves from the bench to number eight to cover Savea, with Dalton Papalii coming onto the bench, and Tyrel Lomax replaces Laulala as backup prop.

In other changes to the side, Sam Whitelock returns from concussion in place of Tupou Vaa’i, Reiko Ioane replaces Damian McKenzie in the no.23 jersey and Ngani Laumape comes onto the bench for Peter Umaga-Jensen.

Bledisloe 2

Dave Rennie made the surprising decision to change four players in the Wallabies team for Bledisloe 2. Ned Hanigan was the most eye-raising selection, coming straight into the back row for Pete Samu, but the blindside flanker was one of Australia’s best. The same happened to Bledisloe 1 starter Folau Fainga’a, who was replaced by Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

The starting backine remained completely unchanged, but there were two further alterations to the bench. Liam Wright replaced Rob Valetini as the backup loose forward, and Jordan Petaia made his return from injury in Noah Lolesio’s place.

The All Blacks were expected to make a number of changes to their side after the Game 1 draw, and Ian Foster and his fellow selectors delivered just that.

Beauden Barrett returned from injury at fullback, pushing Damian McKenzie to the bench and keeping Jordie Barrett on the wing. Caleb Clarke started out wide on the other side in place of the injured George Bridge, while fellow one-cap player Tupou Vaa’i came into the second row for Sam Whitelock. Scott Barrett took the vacant lock’s spot on the bench.

Foster also made two direct starter/reserve swaps: Reiko Ioane and Codie Taylor moving to the bench for Anton Lienert-Brown and Dane Coles respectively, although Ioane was later ruled out with a hamstring strain and replaced by Peter Umaga-Jensen. The backup props were also changed, with Alex Hodgman making his debut in place of Karl Tu’inukuafe and Nepo Laulala coming in for Tyrel Lomax.

Bledisloe 1

There was a clear focus on starting a new era under Dave Rennie in the new coach’s first team of his Wallabies tenure. With three debutants in the starting XV and one on the bench, and the selection of a number of in-form players who received scant gametime in previous years, it was very much a new-look side.

Folau Fainga’a started at hooker with Brumbies teammate James Slipper at loosehead prop and the barnstorming Taniela Tupou at tighthead. Matt Philip and Lukhan Salakai-Loto were the locks, with Harry Wilson, captain Michael Hooper, and Pete Samu getting the nod at six, seven and eight respectively.

In the backs, Nic White and James O’Connor made for an experienced halves pairing, and Matt To’omua added a further veteran presence at inside centre. There was a debutant at outside centre, though, Hunter Paisami taking the no.13 jersey with Jordan Petaia unavailable through injury.

Filipo Daugunu was the last of the debutants, the Queensland Red to starting on the wing opposite Marika Koroibete. Tom Banks rounded out the starting side at fullback.

The All Blacks went with a slightly different side to the one which ran out in last year’s World Cup semi-final loss to England, but new coach Ian Foster still had a far more settled team at his disposal than Australia.

Beauden Barrett was initially picked at fullback with Richie Mo’unga handed the no.10 jersey and Jordie Barrett selected on the wing alongside George Bridge, however the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year was ruled out the on matchday eve with an achilles injury. Damian McKenzie took his place in the XV at the back.

Reiko Ioane came into midfield at outside centre, pushing Jack Goodhue into no.12, while Patrick Tuipuloto took Brodie Retallick’s vacant spot in the second row to partner Sam Whitelock.

Shannon Frizell joined an imposing back row alongside captain Sam Cane and number eight Ardie Savea, while the front row of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Ofa Tuungafasi made for an experienced trio.

All three of the All Blacks’ debutants – Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu and Caleb Clarke – started on the bench.

2020 Bledisloe Cup squads

Wallabies Bledisloe Cup squad

New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie named a side with a clear focus on youth. Of the 46 players, just six are aged 30 or more, and there were 17 potential debutants in the squad.

Many of those are graduates from the 2019 Junior Wallabies, like Will Harrison, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Noah Lolesio, while Tom Wright, Tate McDermott, Pone Fa’amausili and Irae Simone are some of the other uncapped players. Brumbies centre Len Ikitau is the major bolter in the side.

The omission of Ikitau’s ACT teammate Tevita Kuridrani was one of the main surprises in the squad announcement. While the veteran outside centre was not at his best in Super Rugby AU, his experience – particularly on defence – may have proved valuable for a young side.

Back-rower Isi Naisarani was another notable absentee, the Rebels number eight told to work on his fitness despite strong form at domestic level, and fellow World Cup squad member Jack Dempsey was also left out. However, Naisarani and hooker Connal McInerney were both later added to the squad.

Rennie retained incumbent skipper Michael Hooper as his captain for the 2020 international season.

All Blacks Bledisloe Cup squad

There might only have been 35 players initially named in the New Zealand squad for this year’s Tests, but there’s no shortage of quality amongst the group.

The side is the first of coach Ian Foster’s tenure, as it is for new captain Sam Cane, who is one of seven loose forwards selected.

That battle for back-row spots will be one of the tightest, with Shannon Frizell, Cullen Grace, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea and Hoskins Sotutu all vying to fill the remaining two positions at number eight and blindside flanker, assuming skipper Cane starts at openside flanker. So deep are the All Blacks’ flanker stocks that impressive Chiefs breakaway Lachlan Boshier missed out on the squad entirely.

Beauden Barrett has been named as a flyhalf option despite playing fullback at last year’s World Cup, setting up a mouthwatering tussle with Richie Mo’unga for the no.10 jersey.

The outside backs cohort is stacked full of talent, with fullbacks Jordie Barrett and Damien McKenzie joined by wingers George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke and utility Will Jordan.

Reiko Ioane, who has played all of his Tests to date out wide, has been named as one of four centres alongside Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue and Ngani Laumape – the latter of whom earned a late call-up after Brayden Ennor failed to overcome his injury in time. Regular halfbacks Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara are supported by Chiefs no.9 Brad Weber.

There’s a lack of depth at lock, with only four second-rowers named. Sam Whitelock and Patrick Tuipulotu are comfortably the most seasoned of the group, with the inexperienced Quinten Strange and Tupou Vaa’i making up the quartet. Brodie Retallick, arguably the finest player in the position on the planet, is unavailable for selection having taken a year off from New Zealand rugby following the World Cup.

In the front row, experienced hookers Dane Coles and Codie Taylor are joined by Asafo Aumua, and the props are Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi.

2019 Bledisloe Cup teams
New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup after a 36-0 win over Australia in Game 2 saw the series tied. Given the All Blacks were the holders of the trophy, they retained it. Here are the teams that took to the field for that deciding second Test.

2019 Game 2 teams

Game 2 team news

All Blacks
The All Blacks have stunned rugby analysts after dropping three players following a shock 47-26 loss to the Wallabies in Perth.

New Zealand were expected to make two forced changes following their upset Game 1 loss, with Jack Goodhue injuring his hamstring and Scott Barrett suspended after his red card. But Hansen has gone much further, dropping wingers Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane, as well as forward Owen Franks as his side looks to rebound in Auckland.

Sevu Reece and George Bridges get the starting wing jobs for the series decider, while Nepo Laulala will take Franks’ tighthead prop spot. Sonny Bill Williams is the replacement for Goodhue, lining up at inside centre and shifting Anton Lienert-Brown to No.13.

Patrick Tuipuloto has the unenviable task of filling Scott Barrett’s shoes at lock.

Wallabies
Australia have made just the one change to the staring XV – forced by injury – with Rory Arnold dropping out due to a hand issue and Adam Coleman taking his spot.

They’ve made another three changes to the bench, however. Rob Simmons takes Coleman’s place on the bench, Adam Ashley-Cooper makes a surprise return to the interchange at the expense of Tom Banks, while uncapped Liam Wright replaces Luke Jones.

2019 Game 1 teams

Australia
Australia have tried to put their best foot forward for the crunch match with their arch-rivals.

The biggest surprise is the inclusion of James O’Connor as the starting outside centre, while Tolu Latu has surprisingly been handed the starting hooker role.

The other two changes to starting XV include Allan Alaalatoa playing his first Test of the year at tighthead prop, while Nic White will join Christian Lealiifano in the halves.

Folau Fainga’a and Will Genia have been shifted to the bench, while Sekope Kepu and Tevita Kuridrani miss out altogether.

New Zealand
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has rung the changes on his starting lineup after the heavy tournament favourites were held to a dramatic 16-all draw against the Springboks at home.

In the forwards, Dane Coles has been swapped in for Codie Taylor at hooker who moves to the bench, while Scott Barrett comes into the second row in place of the injured Brodie Retallick who has been ruled out.

Ardie Savea has been named at No. 6 in a star-studded back row, partnering Sam Cane on the other flank and skipper Kieran Read at Number 8.

Hansen has also made a straight swap at halfback, bringing Aaron Smith off the bench to start at scrumhalf at the expense of TJ Perenara who moves into the reserves.

The only other change in the backline sees Chiefs outside back Anton Lienert-Brown come into the starting 15 at inside centre in place of Sonny Bill Williams.

2019 Bledisloe Cup Squads

Australia

After a mixed start to the 2019 Rugby Championship for the Wallabies, trading a win and a loss with Argentina and South Africa respectively, coach Michael Cheika has gone back to the drawing board for the first of just two Bledisloe Cup Tests this year before the World Cup.

Reds teenager Jordan Petaia is hoping to finally make his Wallaby debut, having been named in the squad on return from injury.

Veterans David Pocock and Tatafu Polota-Nau have both been brought into the squad as well despite recovering from injury, with Pocock still in doubt to pass fitness in time for the game in Perth.

2018 Bledisloe Cup teams

New Zealand secured a 3-0 whitewash over the Wallabies with a 37-20 victory in Yokohama.

The teams that took the field are below.

Bledisloe 3 teams

Wallabies

1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Ned Hanigan, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Israel Folau, 14. Sefa Naivalu, 15. Dane Haylett-Perry

Reserves (from): 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rory Arnold, 20. Jack Dempsey, 21. Pete Samu, 22. Nick Phipps, 23. Samu Kerevi, 24. Tom Banks

The Wallabies have made some surprise selections for the third and final Bledisloe Test, with Israel Folau playing at no.13 the biggest of them.

Fresh off signing a four-year contract extension, the 29-year-old moves into an unfamiliar position as Sefa Naivalu makes a surprise start on the wing.

The other major talking point is no doubt Taniela Tupou’s demotion to the bench, with Allan Allalatoa taking his place. An injury to Adam Coleman has also disrupted Cheika’s plans.

All Blacks

1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ryan Crotty, 14. Ben Smith, 15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Brodie Retallick, 20. Matt Todd, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.

The All Blacks are fielding a side almost unrecognisable compared to the one they fielded in Game 2. Damian McKenzie at full black is one of the most surprising All Blacks selections all year, while the promotion of TJ Perenara to starting halfback – at the expense of Aaron Smith – has also raised eyebrows.

Injuries to forwards Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell mean Ardie Savea and Liam Squire get a rare start on the field and, while Brodie Retallick has returned from his shoulder complaint, he’s been named on the bench.

Bledisloe 3 squads

All Blacks
Forwards
Scott Barrett, Dean Coles, Vaea Fifita, Owen Franks, Nathan Harris, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Dalton Papalii, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Samuel Whitelock

Backs
Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Waisake Naholo, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Sonny Bill Williams

The All Blacks have named one debutant in their squad for the third Test, with Dalton Papalii picked.

New Zealand also have Dean Coles, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick and Liam Squire to pick from after they overcame injury concerns picked up playing domestic rugby.

Nehe Milner-Skudder has been left out of the squad to take on Australia.

Australia squad for Bledisloe 3
* denotes uncapped
Forwards
Jermaine Ainsley, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell*, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway*, Michael Hooper (c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou

Backs
Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake Gordon*, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps

There are three uncapped players in the Australian squad to play Bledisloe 3, with Rebels forward Angus Cottrell and Waratahs duo Jake Gordon and Jed Holloway all a chance to suit up for the Wallabies for the first time in Japan.

Also of note is the inclusion of Jack Dempsey, who’s not been in Australia’s line-up for a year.

Bledisloe 2 teams

Wallabies

1. Scott Sio, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Luhkan Tui, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves: 16. Folau Fainga’a 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Tom Banks

In Game 1, Israel Folau injured his ankle and didn’t travel to Auckland with the rest of the squad for Game 2. Further compounding Australia’s injury woes was Taniela Tupou failing to overcome his last-minute hamstring injury, although they did regain Scott Sio at prop.

It was considered likely Folau’s spot for the second Test would be taken by either Jack Maddocks or Tom Banks, but Michael Cheika instead opted to switch Dane Haylett-Petty to fullback and bring Maddocks – who scored on debut in Bledisloe 1 – into the starting XV on the wing.

The Wallabies elected to make another change after failing to control their lineouts and conceding a mountain of scrum penalties during the first game, with Allan Alaalatoa taking Sekope Kepu’s spot in the starting line-up.

All Blacks

1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Rettalick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Waisake Naholo, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Ben Smith, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.

The All Blacks aren’t without injury concerns of their own, with both Ryan Crotty (concussion) and Rieko Ioane (hamstring) ruled out of the second Test.

Most people expected All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to swap Anton Lienert-Brown directly for Crotty, but he instead brought Ngani Laumape straight into the starting line-up in a surprise move.

Speculation that Nehe Milner-Skudder would come onto the wing also proved unfounded, with Hansen choosing to give Jordie Barrett a run at fullback and move Ben Smith to the wing.

Wallabies squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou.

Backs: Jermaine Ainsley, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefanaia Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua.

All Blacks squad
Forwards: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Liam Coltman, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jackson Hemopo, Shannon Frizell, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock

Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith

Bledisloe 1 teams

Australia

1. Tom Robertson, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Luhkan Tui, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Israel Folau

Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Jack Maddocks

Update: Taniela Tupou was a late out for the Wallabies, replaced by debutant Jermaine Ainsley after suffering a hamstring injury during the captain’s run.

Australia’s team, while not completely full-strength, was about as expected. Injuries to Scott Sio, Tevita Kuridrani and Samu Kerevi forced Michael Cheika to make some changes, and that’s what he did.

Tom Robertson was the man billed with filling Sio’s boots, while Reece Hodge had the unenviable task of lining up as Australia’s third choice outside centre.

The forced line-up changes meant Jack Maddocks had the chance to make his international debut on the bench, while Matt Toomua also walked straight into the side (albeit, also on the bench) following his return from overseas.

Michael Hooper, while never in serious doubt, officially overcome his hamstring concern to be named. Tatafu Polota-Nau held off Tolu Latu (named on the bench) and Brandon Paenga-Amosa (not named) for the starting hooker spot – despite the latter starting all three Tests against Ireland.

Similarly, Nick Phipps held off the likes of Joe Powell and Jake Gordon in the backup scrumhalf role.

The rest of the backs, however, lined up pretty much as fans predicted.

New Zealand

1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Ben Smith.

Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Karl Tu’unikuafe, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

Despite coach Steve Hansen’s bizarre claim his team was the underdog coming into the first Test, the Kiwi coach named a full strength team.

With Ben Smith at fullback, Beauden Barrett at flyhalf and Kieren Read at No. 8 – it was clear the All Blacks were not messing around one bit as they aimed to take the Bledisloe home for the 16th straight year.

The recall of Dane Coles didn’t create the controversy at hooker that many expected, with Codie Taylor strengthening his grip on the All Blacks’ preferred hooker role.

The only real surprises were Jack Goodhue lining up at outside centre in just his second Test, relegating Anton Lienert-Brown to the bench, and Sonny Bill Williams not being fully recovered from his earlier knee surgery.

Squads

Australia 28-man squad for Bledisloe Cup
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou.

Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua.

New Zealand 33-man squad for Bledisloe Cup
Forwards: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Liam Coltman, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jackson Hemopo, Shannon Frizell, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock

Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith