Rugby Championship: New Zealand vs Australia LIVE scores
New Zealand vs Australia LIVE scores: Follow the Rugby Championship opener with live updates from Eden Park in Auckland, NZ.
New Zealand vs Australia LIVE scores
New Zealand vs Australia preview
The first Test in the Bledisloe Cup has given us some insight into how this Rugby Championship contest will play out.
In the first Test the All Blacks failed to kill off the contest despite a strong first half but still held on for the lead, it was a performance that was good enough in the circumstances but coach Ian Foster will want more.
The Wallabies have picked a side that suggests they will want to ramp up the physicality with firebrand flanker Lachlan Swinton called up for his third Test and explosive winger Marika Koroibete recalled after serving a suspension for a drink infringement in the bubble.
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Australia coach Dave Rennie said his charges were raring to go and prove themselves at the ‘home’ of New Zealand rugby, Eden Park.
“Eden Park is a place that most teams fear but we’re excited to get another crack after last weekend’s disappointment,” said Rennie.
“To beat New Zealand, you have to win the collisions and be clinical for 80 minutes and we didn’t do that.
“We’ve got a lot more in us and we’ll show that on Saturday night.”
The All Blacks sport an absurdly talented backline but Foster remains wary of an Australian fightback, with the Bledisloe Cup on the line alongside Rugby Championship points.
“We know that Australia will be disappointed with the result and will lift. It’s a do or die game for them.
“But the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to us. It’s an historic trophy and it’s easy for people to take it for granted based on results in recent years, but throughout history it has been a hard Cup to win, so it’s hugely important.”
Rugby Championship: Teams – New Zealand vs Australia
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane; Sam Whitelock (capt), Brodie Retallick; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inikuafe, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett.
Australia: Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (capt), Lachlan Swinton; Matt Philip, Darcy Swain; Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge
Match Information, officials, live stream, tv and kick-off
New Zealand vs Australia
Date: Saturday, 14 August 2021
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Kick-off: 09:05 (SAST)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (NZR)
Assistant Referee 1: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referee 2: Mike Fraser (NZR)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZR)
TV: SuperSport
Live Stream: DStv Now
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