Date: 11 October 2020 Kickoff: 5 am SA time
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington

International rugby is back and with a potential cracker in Wellington. Below, we preview the Bledisloe Cup between New Zealand and Australia. Check out our Predictions and Betting Guide.

Teams

All Blacks

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Samuel Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i (debut), Hoskins Sotutu (debut), TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke (debut).

Australia:

Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, James O’Connor, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Pete Samu, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia- Loto, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper.

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.

The Lowdown

The All Blacks first game under the Ian Foster regime beings against their trans-Tasman rivals in the Bledisloe Cup on Sunday. This is the first international fixture following the completion of Super Rugby AU and Aotearoa. Having a glance at the team sheets, there are a couple of surprises spread across the two outfits.

For the All Blacks, there has been talk over whether Sam Cane is deserving of his spot. Also, the exclusion of mercurial talent, Will Jordan is another talking point. While Rieko Ioane earns his first start at 13 at the expense of the consistent Anton Lienert-Brown.

Super Rugby Unlocked Predictions and Tips – Round 1

The Wallabies welcome three debutants in Harry Wilson, Filipo Daunguna and Tom Banks. Dave Rennie is a superb tactician and he will be no stranger to the All Black style. He guided the Chiefs to the Super Rugby title in 2014.

The historical statistics don’t bode well for the Wallabies as they have lost 23 straight fixtures in New Zealand. Narrowing this down, the All Blacks have beaten the Wallabies by an average margin of 23 points in their last five home matches. Also, the Wallabies have been poor against the spread. They’ ve only covered one in their last seven as underdogs.

I believe the Wallabies faults of recent times can be attributed to the misfiring Michael Cheika. A new tide has turned with Rennie in charge of the Aussies. I’m going against the grain here and will be siding with the men in gold with the generous handicap. Count on the visitors to keep it close in Wellington.