Rugby Tri Nations updates live: All Blacks v Wallabies, Bledisloe Cup final test in Brisbane

All the action as the All Blacks take on the Wallabies at Bledisloe IV in Brisbane.

With the Bledisloe Cup secured for another year, the All Blacks will give a number of rookies and returning players a chance for their fourth and final game against the Wallabies.

However, their plans have had to change late as they will not have a key player, with lockout Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out just before kickoff due to illness.

“Patrick Tuipulotu is ill and has been withdrawn from today’s Brisbane test against the Wallabies,” the All Blacks said in a statement.

Tupou Vaa’i enters the bank instead of Tuipulotu.

Head coach Ian Foster has named four players who are set to make their All Blacks Test debut, including Akira Ioane, who starts on the blind side, while Sevu Reece and Ngani Laumape also return to the side.

“We have rebooted this week and our focus has been on this weekend and Investec Tri Nations,” said Foster.

“It’s an All Blacks-Wallabies test and that’s special. We know how excited they will be, so we have to make sure we are too, because we don’t want to make any excuses at the end.”

Foster said new players are eager to get started.

“We are really delighted with the entire squad, so we feel like there are some players who are really raising their hands and deserve a chance.

“Second, it’s been a great three-week test series to date against Australia. It will be another massive test, so we’ve brought some freshness and new energy to the group. Players are jumping out of their skins to get into the park.”

The All Blacks will receive a unique challenge this weekend due to Covid-19 protocols for the tournament.

In a unique preparation for the test, the All Blacks will fly from Sydney to Brisbane several hours before the game and return to Sydney after the game.

“We have to change the structure of our preparation for game day, but we don’t have to change the focus,” Foster said. “Obviously it will be a different test day for us, but that does not mean it will be disruptive. We have worked hard to put in place a structure that we think is the right one for Saturday and we just have to make sure when the whistle, we’re ready. “