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New Zealand
37
Match Complete
Australia
20
| R. Ioane |  | 77 | ||
| 75 |  | B. Foley | ||
| 75 | | I. Folau | ||
| B. Smith | | 69 | ||
| B. Barrett | | 59 | ||
| B. Barrett | | 58 | ||
| B. Barrett |  | 52 | ||
| 47 | | B. Foley | ||
| 40 | | B. Foley | ||
| 38 | | S. Naivalu | ||
| B. Barrett | | 36 | ||
| K. Read | | 35 | ||
| B. Barrett | | 24 | ||
| 20 | | K. Beale | ||
| B. Barrett | | 12 | ||
| L. Squire | | 11 |
| 5 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The Wallabies and All Blacks will look to get their Northern Hemisphere tours off to a good start when they go head to head in the third and final Bledisloe Cup match in Yokohama, Japan. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:00pm (AEDT).
While the Bledisloe Cup might be safely secured back in NZRU trophy cabinet for the 16th year in a row, this game still matters for both sides. The trans-Tasman rivalry always matters and a win here is worth a lot to all concerned – players, coaches and fans.
With injuries and depth considerations at play, there are some interesting selection choices and plenty at stake for both players and coaches alike.
In the hunt for that win, Michael Cheika has had to look at new options. Israel Folau has moved to outside centre to replace Reece Hodge, who’s out with a broken ankle.
Perhaps more of a problem for the Wallabies is the loss of Adam Coleman with a goin injury. His aggression and power would be important to compete against the All Blacks pack and while his replacement, Rob Simmons, is a fair replacement in the lineout, he doesn’t bring the same impact in the loose.
Speaking of impact, Taniela Tupou has been moved back to the bench. One assumes Cheika is hoping that it’s a close game come the 50-minute mark and that Tupou can make the difference.
There are some great clashes to watch out for in this match as always. One of the most important is the battle of the scrumhalves – Will Genia and TJ Perenara. Both will want their forwards to give them quick, clean ball to help them unleash their players, but more than that both these generals will fight for control of the game. The Wallabies need to play smart rugby and Genia is key in this battle of wits.
In the centres, there’s plenty of talent for fans to enjoy with Kurtley Beale going up against Sonny Bill Williams. Neither has found top form in 2018 yet and so look to watch them try and stamp their authority on this match early on.
It will also be interesting to see how Damian McKenzie starts at fullback for the Kiwis. He’s great as an impact player as opponents tire but what can he do when everyone is fresh? It’ll be exciting to see.
Prediction
If you ask the bookies this is a done deal – All Blacks all the way. While there is definite talent in the Wallabies and their morale should be up after their comeback win against the Pumas in their last outing, it’s hard to see how the Kiwis lose this one.
All Blacks by ten points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 5:00pm (AEDT).
Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT)
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan
TV: Live, Fox Sports & Ten
Betting: New Zealand $1.10, Australia $7
Teams
New Zealand
15 Damian McKenzie
14 Ben Smith
13 Ryan Crotty
12 Sonny Bill Williams
11 Rieko Ioane
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara
8 Kieran Read (c)
7 Ardie Savea
6 Liam Squire
5 Scott Barrett
4 Sam Whitelock
3 Owen Franks
2 Codie Taylor
1 Joe Moody
Replacements
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
Australia
15 Dane Haylett-Petty
14 Sefa Naivalu
13 Israel Folau
12 Kurtley Beale
11 Marika Koroibete
10 Bernard Foley
9 Will Genia
8 David Pocock
7 Michael Hooper (c)
6 Ned Hanigan
5 Rob Simmons
4 Izack Rodda
3 Allan Alaalatoa
2 Folau Faingaa
1 Scott Sio
Replacements
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
Referee: Romain Poite
Assistants: Marius van der Westhuizen, Rasta Rasivhenge
TMO: Marius Jonker
Form
New Zealand: LWLWL
Australia: WLLWL
Head-to-head history
Played: 163
New Zealand: 113
Australia: 43
Draw: 7
Hide Preview
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.