New Zealand vs Australia Preview & Tips - Australia to scare All Blacks at Eden Park

Victory will secure the Bledisloe Cup for New Zealand and get their Rugby Championship campaign off to a good stard.

New Zealand lead 14-3 in their last 18 matches against Australia along with one draw. They met last week in Auckland with the All Blacks winning 33-25.

Australia have not managed to win in Auckland since 1986, a run of 22 matches. In fairness, no team has won at Eden Park since France did in 1994.

The lack of proper preparation showed for New Zealand last week when they beat Australia 33-25 in Auckland. Prior to the opening Bledisloe Cup match, the All Blacks had beaten Tonga and Fiji twice with comfort.

The 33-25 scoreline does not really tell the full story of the match. Both sides made plenty of errors in the first half with New Zealand leading narrowly at the break. New Zealand were however far better in the second which eventually saw them lead 33-8.

Australia scored three late tries, something that will disappoint the hosts. If it were not for some poor goal kicking by the visitors that scoreline could have looked very different.

Ian Foster has made one change to the starting lineup with the injured Anton Lienert-Brown dropping out. Rieko Ioane moves from wing into outside centre which opens up the wing for Will Jordan.

On the bench, scrumhalf TJ Perenara makes his return from injury.

Australia left the field in Auckland last Saturday with much credit after a 33-25 defeat to New Zealand. That credit had some warrant considering the dominance the All Blacks have had over them, particularly at Eden Park.

The Wallabies however did have far better preparation having played France in a three-match series. Australia won that very tight series 2-1.

After an impressive showing in the first half, Australia lost some intensity in the second half. That saw New Zealand rush into a 33-8 lead before the Wallabies hit back with three late tries. 

The flurry of tries towards the end will give the Wallabies some confidence heading into this weekend. Whether that is enough given their record at Eden Park remains to be seen.

Dave Rennie has made four changes to his side that started last weekend.

Flank Lachlan Swinton, winger Marika Koroibete, lock Matt Philip and centre Matt To’omua comes into the the side. Harry Wilson, Jordon Petaia, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Len Ikitau drop out of the team.