The pinnacle of Trans-Tasman rugby, the Bledisloe Cup is back! This year the competition returns to a three match format after having been stretched to four matches last year and two matches the year before that. The first two tests take place at Eden Park with the final test hopefully being hosted in Perth.

Australia

Although the Aussies showed some promise last month when France visited them Down Under they are still miles behind their opponents. Hooper’s men managed to win 2 out of the 3 tests but ultimately they got lucky, especially in the final test. 

Dave Rennie has opted for a relatively green backline for this match that includes youngsters such as McDermott, Lolesio, Paisami and Ikitau. Jordan Petaia and Tom Banks hold the most experience in this Wallaby backline but only have 22 caps between the 2 of them. They will make up the back row along with Andrew Kellaway who finds himself in the team after Koroibete earned himself a suspension thanks to a late night drinking session.

In the forwards there are only two changes to the pack that defeated France 33-30 last month. Harry Wilson steps in for another late-night drinker Naisarani at eighth man, while Rob Valetini joins at flank to replace the injured Swinton. It will be business as usual for the front row of Slipper and Alaalatoa and be sure to keep an eye on Michael Hooper who will be keen to make a big impact when he becomes the second most capped Wallaby of all-time on Saturday

With the exception of Hooper, the Wallabies’ real experience sits on the bench with Hodge and To’omua who have 103 caps between them. You can be sure that they will be coming on in the second half for the visitors, but at this stage of the game the All Blacks may have already run riot and the value they can add is questionable.

New Zealand

At the other side of the field it’s quite a different story. While the Wallabies narrowly won 2 of their last 3 encounters the All Blacks won all three and managed to score a total of 219 points! 

The New Zealand backline will be as powerful as ever with Richie Mo’unga getting the nod at flyhalf. Veteran number nine Aaron Smith picks up his 100th cap and is joined by the likes of Rieko Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Reece and Mackenzie in the backline. There is so much skill here that Ian Foster could not even find a spot for Beauden Barrett who finds himself on the bench alongside his two brothers. You can’t even begin to compare this backline with Australia’s and I expect them to cut through the Aussie defense like a hot knife through butter.

The forward pack looks as solid as a rock with Retallick returning to the second row alongside Sam Whitelock for his first match against Australia in 3 years. Ardie Savea shifts to number eight to make way for Auckland local Papalii and the front row remains unchanged. The All Blacks have so much depth and it really shows when you look at their bench. In addition to the three Barretts, you’ve got Coles, Jacobson and Weber all ready to take the game to another level in the second-half. 

Prediction

Comparing the two teams is like comparing apples and pears. The young inexperienced backline of the Aussies are just simply too far behind the world-class All Black backline. It’s going to be difficult for the visitors to crack the tight All Black defense which has not been letting in a lot of points. I see the likes of Mo’unga and Reece crossing the whitewash for the hosts amongst others. Papalii had a few big games for the Blues this year and I expect a big game from the loosey on his home ground as well. I feel the handicap of -22.5 is a bit low and if they can keep their foot on the gas for the full 80 I see the All Blacks covering this one easily. Interestingly New Zealand’s last three matches have all gone over the total points line as well and this match is certainly worth another crack.

BetOlimp Best Bets

New Zealand -22.5 – 1.84
First Tryscorer: Dalton Papalii – 21.00
Anytime Tryscorer: Richie Mo’unga 2.85
Over 51.5 Points – 1.83