RECAP: Australia v New Zealand
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations match between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.
New Zealand hasn’t had to wrap up the Bledisloe Cup on Australian soil in 11 years.
For All Black coach Ian Foster that’s a massive motivation to snuff out Wallaby hopes of keeping the series alive when the two sides meet Saturday in Sydney.
After a 16-all draw at the opening game in Wellington, it was back to business as usual for the All Blacks at their Eden Park fortress in Auckland, where they won 27-7.
It means Australia must win on Saturday to stand any chance of lifting the Trans-Tasman trophy for the first time since 2002 at the fourth and final game in Brisbane on November 7.
* To read our pre-match predictions, CLICK HERE!
* Our live blog will appear below, it might take a little while to load, please be patient. We apologise for the inconvenience!
Teams
Australia: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Hunter Paisami.
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Sam Cane (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Rieko Ioane.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Nic Berry
TMO: Angus Gardner
