2021 Rugby Championship – New Zealand vs Australia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? New Zealand vs Australia will take place on Saturday 14th August, 2021 at 08:05 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? New Zealand vs Australia will take place at Eden Park in Auckland
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Australia? Ticket information for New Zealand vs Australia can be found on each country’s official rugby union website
What TV channel is New Zealand vs Australia on in the UK? Sky Sports will be showing New Zealand vs Australia live
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Australia in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream New Zealand vs Australia live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt To’omua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Harry Wilson, 21 Nic White, 22 Len Ikitau, 23 Reece Hodge
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand raced to a strong half-time lead against Australia in the first Test of the 2021 Bledisloe Cup before the Wallabies made it interesting in the second, although the damage was already done in a 33-25 result. The All Blacks have won the Bledisloe Cup for the past 18 years but the way they let Australia back into the match will be of slight concern as they gear up for facing the likes of South Africa later in this competition.
The All Blacks just pipped a surprisingly good Argentina side to the Tri-Nations Series title last season, with South Africa not travelling due to the pandemic. They lost their second match against the explosive Pumas but managed to beat a sorry Australia twice to win by three clear points. With South Africa returning as the reigning 2019 Rugby Championship winners of the traditional four-team format, the All Blacks have their biggest threats back to make for a deeply exciting tournament. Australian rugby is not in the place it should be right now, as last week’s result and outside disciplinary issues suggest. They will hope to do some damage in the reverse fixture but at Eden Park with fans back the All Blacks should be able to cover -11 once again. The Wallabies have not won here since 1986.
