Australia vs New Zealand 2nd Bledisloe Cup Test Predictions - Wallabies to bounce back against All Blacks

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 48 minutes ago

Ralph Staniforth 48 minutes ago

Share this article

Australia are backed to stay within 14.5 points of New Zealand in their upcoming home match.
New Zealand have won their last 11 matches against Australia, including a 50-19 victory last weekend.
Australia's recent form remains strong despite last week's blowout, with 5 wins in their last 6 matches.

Australia to get close on home soil (Getty Images)

Australia vs New Zealand Bledisloe Cup Predictions

After winning at Eden Park last weekend, New Zealand have ensured the Bledisloe Cup remains in the All Blacks hands for another year. However, this is no dead-rubber with the Wallabies keen to bounce back after the disappointment of last weekend.

Australia vs New Zealand Bledisloe Cup Predictions
Head to Head
Australia Form
New Zealand Form
Team News & Starting Lineups

Australia were in the game at half time, going into the break at 19-14 down, but a few key errors, a lineout loss here, a knock-on there swung the momentum towards the All Blacks who then ran in a 50-19 final score.

Australia have been in good form all season and I'm hesitant to let that one blow-out to take away from their form. I am sticking with Australia this weekend, backing them on the +14.5 handicap on home soil.

Australia have lost by 14 or less points in 4 of their last 6 matches against New Zealand.
Australia have won 5 of their last 6 matches.

New Zealand have won their last 11 matches against Australia.
New Zealand beat Australia 50-19 last weekend at Eden Park.

Head to Head

New Zealand have a very dominant record against Australia in recent years, winning their last 11 encounters. The last time Australia won was back in 2020 by two points

Australia Form

Australia are certainly on an upward curve as we move towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Their biggest issue is consistency and maintaining a high level at set piece for 80 minutes.

The Wallabies have beaten Japan twice this year, then won a two-match series 1-0 in Argentina after a draw in the second test. The Wallabies also beat two-time defending World Cup winners, South Africa 42-38, however that was against a weakened Springbok side.

Last week was their one blow-out of 2026 and given their home performances and the first half performance in Eden Park, I am leaning towards the bit of credit the Wallabies have in the bank. They would need to maintain an 80 minute performance but will be desperate after the Eden Park disappointment.

New Zealand Form

The All Blacks have shown huge improvement under Dave Rennie in 2026. Despite losing 3-1 in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour to South Africa, the signs on improvement were already clear, especially in their first Test win.

Compared to Australia, the All Blacks have more rugby under their belt as the tour to South Africa was not only four Test matches but also four outings against provincial outfits. They won all four provincial games and one Test.

Last week New Zealand were always expected to win, especially at Eden Park where they haven't lost in 53 matches. But Australia were in the game at half time before the All Blacks produced a stellar second half display, aided by the Wallabies errors at crucial times.

Team News & Starting Lineups

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.

Bench: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 George Bower.

Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Rieko Ioane.

Verdict

Australia v New Zealand 2nd Bledisloe Cup Test

New Zealand were too good at Eden Park last weekend and should be again, however, at home, I think the Wallabies can get withing 14.5.

Australia +14.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 4 Units

100% up to R1,000 Bonus

Use promo code BETS

Join Sunbet with promo code BETS and get up to R1,000 plus Cash outs and Action bets. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sunbet

Will Jordan

Anytime Try Scorer

@1,75 - 3 Units

Free R50 + R5500 + 25 Spins

use promo code NEWBONUS

The Easybet promo code is NEWBONUS. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Easybet

Will Jordan

2+ Tries

@4,00 - 1 Unit

Get 100% up to R5000

+ 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games plus 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.