All Blacks and Wallabies prepare for Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park

The All Blacks and Wallabies prepare to face each other in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park this Saturday. The match features a unique dynamic as Dave Rennie, the former Wallabies coach, leads the New Zealand side.

New Zealand faces a significant injury crisis, with Richie Mo’unga (calf), Fehi Fineanganofo (concussion), and several forwards including Ardie Savea and Caleb Clarke sidelined. Consequently, Damian McKenzie will move to fly-half, while Beauden Barrett starts at fullback. The squad also sees the return of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell.

Australia enters the match with renewed confidence following a six-test unbeaten streak under coach Les Kiss. While the Wallabies face midfield challenges due to Hunter Paisami’s suspension, Len Ikitau is set to return from an ankle injury to play at number 12. The Australian side aims to break a 40-year drought at Eden Park, where they have not won a Test since 1986.