PREVIEW: All Blacks v Wallabies (Wellington, 2024)

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With the Bledisloe Cup already retained, the All Blacks are aiming for their first win at Sky Stadium since 2018, as they look to celebrate Sam Cane’s 100th Test in style when they face the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS: All Blacks v Australia, Saturday 28 September, 7.05pm NZT, Sky Stadium, Wellington.

Played: 178

Won: All Blacks 125, Australia 45, Drawn 8

Last time: All Blacks 31, Australia 28, 21 September 2024, Sydney.

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

CANE THE CENTURION

Sam Cane will make his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks when he runs out onto a sold-out Sky Stadium on Saturday night, becoming just the 13th All Black to reach the milestone. The exclusive club includes Sam Whitelock (153), Richie McCaw (148), Keven Mealamu (132), Beauden Barrett (130), Kieran Read (127), Aaron Smith (125), Tony Woodcock (118), Dan Carter (112), Brodie Retallick (109), Owen Franks (108), Ma'a Nonu (103), and Mils Muliaina (100).


Reflecting on his journey, Cane, who debuted in Test rugby as a 20-year-old, said that the evolution from a young player to now, at 32, was something he has cherished. 'Rugby's a good teacher of life and resilience. Through the ups and downs, you learn to pick yourself up and carry on. The different challenges have certainly tested my resilience at times,' Cane said. 'But I've been able to keep things in perspective, and I'm grateful for the opportunities rugby has given me—not just on the field, but also in helping me grow as a man.”

CH, CH, CHANGES

The only change to the forwards that faced Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup test last weekend is on the bench, where Patrick Tuipulotu returns for his first test since playing England at Eden Park in mid-July. There are three changes to the back line that started against Australia last week. TJ Perenara starts at halfback with Cortez Ratima providing cover; Beauden Barrett returns to start at first-five; and Anton Lienert-Brown will play 12.  Coach Scott Robertson said: “Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first-five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the back line. We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington.”


BREAKING A DROUGHT

Unless there’s a draw at Sky Stadium on Saturday night, a drought will be broken for one team or the other. For the Wallabies, it has been 23 years since they last won on New Zealand soil, with their most recent victory coming in 2001 at Carisbrook in Dunedin—a ground that no longer exists. For the All Blacks, it has been six long years since their last win at Sky Stadium in Wellington, a 26-13 victory over a depleted French side in 2018. Since then, the All Blacks have suffered three losses (to Argentina, South Africa, and Ireland) and recorded two draws (against South Africa and Australia).

WALLABIES SHUFFLE

Australia Coach Joe Schmidt has tinkered with the backline slightly for this match. Waratahs ‘intercept expert’ Jake Gordon replaces Nic White in the nine jersey after missing the first match in Sydney. On the left wing, Marika Koroibete is out with a wrist injury and Dylan Pietsch comes into the starting line up for his fourth Test.

WATCH AROUND THE WORLD

NZR+ is streaming the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship directly into territories that traditionally don't receive a live broadcast. Read the full story HERE to find out how you can watch the game.

TEAMS:

All Blacks (Test caps in brackets):

1. Ethan de Groot (27) 2. Codie Taylor (92) (Vice Captain) 3. Tyrel Lomax (39) 4. Scott Barrett (75) (Captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (33) 6. Wallace Sititi (4) 7. Sam Cane (99) 8. Ardie Savea (89) (Vice Captain) 9. TJ Perenara (86) 10. Beauden Barrett (130) 11. Caleb Clarke (24) 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (78) 13. Rieko Ioane (76) 14. Sevu Reece (29) 15. Will Jordan (36) 

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (13) 17. Tamaiti Williams (13) 18. Pasilio Tosi (2) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (45) 20. Luke Jacobson (23) 21.  Cortez Ratima (7) 22.  Damian McKenzie (55) 23.  David Havili (27) 

Australia (Test caps in brackets):

1. Angus Bell (32) 2. Matt Faessler (11) 3. Taniela Tupou (55) 4. Nick Frost (20) 5. Jeremy Williams (7) 6. Rob Valetini (47) 7. Fraser McReight (21) 8. Harry Wilson (c) (18) 9. Jake Gordon (26) 10. Noah Lolesio (24) 11. Dylan Pietsch (3) 12. Hunter Paisami (30) 13. Len Ikitau (34) 14. Andrew Kellaway (34) 15. Tom Wright (32)

Reserves: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (15) 17. Isaac Kailea (5) 18. Allan Alaalatoa (75) 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (36) 20. Langi Gleeson (8) 21. Tate McDermott (36) 22. Ben Donaldson (12) 23. Josh Flook (3)

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