Bledisloe Cup - Team News

Both Ian Foster and Dave Rennie name their match day 23's ahead of Bledisloe 1. The pressure is on both in naming their first ever match day teams against the old enemy. Dave Rennie and the Wallabies are up against it having not held the Bledisloe Cup in 18 years while Ian Foster needs to get his tenure off to a flying start with a win against Australia non negotiable for the New Zealand fans and players.

The All Blacks have named three players in the 23 who are on debut with all three taking their place on the bench. Lock Tupou Vaa'i, loose forward Hoskins Sotutu and winger Caleb Clarke will all be looking to make an impact when coming off the bench. 

Sam Whitelock (117) and Aaron Smith (92) are the most experienced players in the New Zealand outfit with just seven of the All Blacks in the match day 23 over 50 caps.

The Wallabies have named three players in the run on XV who will be making their debut and one on the bench. Hunter Paisami, Harry Wilson and Filipo Daugunu all start with Noah Lolesio on the bench. The Wallabies have received a blow, with world class back Jordan Petaia held back after failing to prove his fitness after an injury last month. Both he and Dane Haylett-Petty are expected to be fit for the second Test in Auckland a week later.

Wallaby Captain, Michael Hooper, will play his 100th Test for Australia when he runs on this weekend.

WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O'Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks

RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge