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After a passionate draw in the series opener in Wellington last weekend, the Bledisloe Cup is now heading to Auckland for a mouth-watering game two.
The four-game series now effectively becomes a three-game affair, with Australia now only needing to win two events to claim the silverware they delivered in 2003.
Rieko Ioane, who fell to the bench’s midfield coverage, has been ruled out for Sunday’s clash with a hamstring injury. Wellington midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen has been named as his replacement and is set for an international debut, should he take the field at Eden Park.
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick off: 4 pm
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
NZ TAB Odds (as of Sunday afternoon): All blacks $ 1.13, Wallabies $ 5.65
All the black people: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Dane Coles , Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Damian McKenzie.
Wallabies: Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, James O’Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga -Amosa, James Slipper. Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Liam Wright, Jake Gordon, Jordan Petaia, Reece Hodge.
Mark Baker / AP
The attempt by All Blacks captain Sam Cane gives the hosts a healthy lead, but the Wallabies keep fighting.
Prediction: The Wallabies chose their words carefully after the game in Wellington, disappointed not to be able to close out a win, but behind closed doors you can bet they are a team full of confidence and pride after running the All Blacks so close. In front of them now is a team of All Blacks who will be desperate to respond, and who are back in their strength, where they have not lost in 43 tests and where the Wallabies have not thrown them since 1986. If the weather plays well, hope conditions are not so leveling this time. New Zealand still proved just how deadly they can be by punishing opponents for the slightest of mistakes, but the host’s forward group will have to step up in physique against the Dave Rennie-inspired Australians. All blacks for 10.
