1
Follow all the action from the third and final round of The Rugby Championship live on RugbyPass as Australia host New Zealand at Optus Stadium in Perth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Keep up to date with the latest score, stats and join the conversation anywhere in the world from in our Live Match Centre (click here).
A win for the Wallabies would see the All Blacks lose their place at the top of the world rankings, with Wales currently breathing down their necks.
The safe bet for the match would see the All Blacks comfortably disposing of the home side. The Wallabies have won just seven matches between the two sides since 2003. Then again, Australia have managed a win over the men in black in the last three World Cup years – so they’re due one in the next couple of weeks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0t704-AuB-/
Michael Cheika has made just four changes to the starting XV that bested Argentina two weeks ago. Tolu Latu and Alan Alaalatoa come into the front row, Nic White takes over at halfback and James O’Connor slots in at centre. There’s still somewhat of an experimental look about the Wallabies, particularly with Latu and O’Connor’s inclusions.
In contrast, Steve Hansen has rolled out what’s close to a top side. Dane Coles and Scott Barrett join the tight five and a new loose forward trio of Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read will take the field. In the backs, Aaron Smith will start at halfback and Anton Lienert-Brown relieves Sonny Bill Williams of duty.
The All Blacks currently sit second on the Rugby Championship ladder but could top the log if they win tonight and the Springboks fall to the Pumas in Argentina.
ADVERTISEMENT
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Reece Hodge, 13 James O’Connor, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Nic White, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Rory Arnold, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Luke Jones, 21 Will Genia, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Tom Banks.
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ardie Savea, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 George Bridge.
