2020 Bledisloe Cup – New Zealand vs Australia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Sunday 18th October, 2020 – 04:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Australia? This match will be played without spectators
What television channel is New Zealand vs Australia on? This match will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Australia? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mounga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Damian McKenzie
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Liam Wright, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Jordan Petaia, 23 Reece Hodge
THE PREDICTION
Australia were one minute away from their first victory on New Zealand soil for 19 years but a last-minute Jordie Barrett penalty salvaged a draw for the All Blacks. There were plenty of missed opportunities for both sides but New Zealand will feel the worse off the back of that draw and will be desperate to claim a win here at home in front of a projected 47,000 fans at Eden Park. The All Blacks will be boosted by the return of Beauden Barrett after his late withdrawal from the first test and he is amongst five changes made by new coach Ian Foster in an attempt to force the result their way. After the draw last time out, this match looks set to be a more defensive-minded affair from New Zealand who cannot afford another slip-up but the presence of a near-capacity crowd should inspire them to a win here in a result that goes way under 40 points.
