Self-imploding Wallaby teams are nothing new. Quade Cooper has previously done his best to unsettle the national team; James O’Connor in the past too has brought it on himself to provide tabloid fuel. This time though the train-wreck driver is the insidious Kurtley Beale. Beale’s recent indiscretions (and not so recent txts’s) have made the Wallabies task on Saturday night, when International Rugby returns with the third Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks, that much harder.
The All Blacks are not without their own challenges however. Aaron Cruden’s sleep-in continues to stop him from taking up his usual place at first five-eighth, and the side lost their last outing in Johannesburg. We don’t get many chances to watch the All Blacks respond to losing so Brisbane’s test, despite being a dead rubber, should still make for gripping viewing.
The All Blacks followed through on their promise to tinker with their line up; making five changes to the side that lost the final match of the Rugby Championship. Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Wyatt Crockett and Dane Coles return to starting roles with Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench. Cory Jane is the only new face in the backline, replacing the rested Ben Smith. Of the changes, Liam Messam’s elevation is the most exciting; the team lacked speed and aggression in South Africa, and Messam’s presence and awareness could exploit the Wallabies. Jane’s inclusion is an opportunity for the aging wing to prove he is still a viable wing option; many would argue otherwise.
The Wallabies will use Adam Ashley-Cooper’s 100th game as motivation for toppling the AB’s. The long serving outside back will become just the 6th player to reach the milestone. Ashley-Coopers uncomplicated game will serve the Wallabies well in Brisbane allowing flair players such as Israel Folau and Tevita Kuridrani to thrive.
On form the All Blacks will expect to win. Experimentation aside, it’s difficult to find any reason to back Australia. A dry Brisbane track suits NZ’s (and Julian Savea’s) running game, and the Wallabies will have exhausted a lot of energy in dealing with the media so extensively this week.
All Blacks by 20.
The Teams
WALLABIES TEAM: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper (capt), Scott Fardy, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper.
Reserves: Josh Mann-Rae, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Matt Hodgson, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne.
ALL BLACKS: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Charles Piutau
Top Picks
New Zealand by 21-25 – $11 – Tom Waterhouse
First Scoring Play a NZ Try – $4.50 – Sportsbet
First Try Scorer Julian Savea – $7.50 – TAB
