What a game! All Blacks and Wallabies play out a sensational 16-16 draw in the Bledisloe Cup opener. Video / Sky Sport
All you need to know ahead of the All Blacks' clash against the Wallabies in Bledisloe I
The All Blacks' first Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies in Wellington today will be the first time the New Zealand side will be on the field since the conclusion of the disappointing 2019 Rugby World Cup.
In fact, it's two weeks short of a year since that night in Yokohama where the All Blacks fell to England in the World Cup semifinal, and 400 days since they last played a test in New Zealand.
They will be playing the match without Beauden Barrett, who was a late withdrawal due to an Achilles injury, being replaced by Damian McKenzie, while this morning reserve prop Nepo Laulala was ruled out due to personal reasons, with Tyrel Lomax coming onto the bench.
With everything that's happened since that England defeat, All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor said he was excited to put the loss behind him and use it as fuel against the Wallabies in the highly-anticipated return of test rugby.
"Being involved in that, it obviously hurts and you're never going to forget losing a World Cup playoff," Taylor said.
"The great thing about this year is we've got a new group and there's a whole lot of new players who weren't a part of that team and they can bring a lot of energy themselves and help us get through.
"We've got a whole new coaching staff as well so there's a lot of excited people in the group and looking forward to Sunday. It's almost been a year since we've played so that's what we're using as fuel to get out there and pull on a black jersey."
All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree, who was still at the Hurricanes during last year's World Cup, believed there wouldn't be much hangover from Japan and praised the dedication he's seen this week from his players.
"That's dead and buried a long time ago. When the player gets his jersey on the weekend he'll feel gratitude around having another opportunity and that's the big part of the All Blacks and what the leaders drive. We feel privileged and honoured to have the opportunity and players just love that jersey and this environment.
"That's one thing that stuck out for me, to see Sam Whitelock who's played so many tests but still living each moment in test week and loving it."
The All Blacks perform the haka to the Wallabies. Photo / Photosport
Match details: Sunday, October 11 at 4pm, Sky Stadium in Wellington
Squads
All Blacks:
15. Damian McKenzie 14. Jordie Barrett 13. Rieko Ioane 12. Jack Goodhue 11. George Bridge 10. Richie Mo'unga 9. Aaron Smith 8. Ardie Savea 7. Sam Cane (c) 6. Shannon Frizell 5. Sam Whitelock 4. Patrick Tuipulotu 3. Ofa Tuungafasi 2. Codie Taylor 1. Joe Moody
Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa'i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.
Wallabies:
15. Tom Banks 14. Filipo Daugunu 13. Hunter Paisami 12. Matt To'omua 11. Marika Koroibete 10. James O'Connor 9. Nic White 8. Pete Samu 7. Michael Hooper (c) 6. Harry Wilson 5. Matt Philip 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 3. Taniela Tupou 2. Folau Fainga'a 1. James Slipper
Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.
2018: 38-13 All Blacks - ANZ Stadium, Sydney 2018: 40–12 All Blacks - Eden Park, Auckland 2018: 37–20 All Blacks - Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan 2019: 47–26 Australia - Optus Stadium, Perth 2019: 36–0 All Blacks - Eden Park, Auckland
Odds
All Blacks: $1.09 Wallabies: $6.40
How to catch the action
The Herald will provide live updates, and will have live interactive player ratings. You can catch live commentary of the match on Newstalk ZB, Gold AM and iHeartRadio.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1, with coverage beginning at 3pm. If you want to watch the match online, you can stream the game live via Sky Sport Now.
