Bledisloe Cup - Test 1 - Teams and Preview

Saturday sees one of the oldest and most coveted traditions in rugby play out at Sky Stadium in New Zealand as the All Blacks host the Wallabies in the first of four clashes (two in New Zealand and two in Australia) which will decide who holds the trophy aloft in 2020.

Much intrigue is set to surround the first game in particular as expectations are varied after the doldrum that has been lockdown.

Both Australia and New Zealand, through effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic from their respective governments, did manage to turn out very successful domestic competitions while in isolation. Super Rugby Aotearoa too the world by storm as a fantastic spectacle of sublime rugby. Super Rugby AU also delivered the goods and kept the Australian players fresh and battle-hardened.

Thus, in light of the amount of match-practice that the players have been exposed to, it is reasonable to expect that the encounter will live up to the proud tradition it represents.

One feels, however, that the pressure is more heavily stacked on the Wallabies as the men in gold have not held the Bledisloe Cup in a staggering 18 years.

Another interesting addition to this match-up is that it will be the first tournament for two new head coaches in Dave Rennie (Australia) and Ian Foster (New Zealand). Both men will be feeling the pressure to get off to a winning start to satisfy the high expectations of two proud rugby nations.

A look at the stats shows the All Blacks as decidedly dominant;

Of the 144 matches played, New Zealand have emerged victorious in 101 of them while Australia have won just 37 with a total of 6 draws between the sides.

The longest time the Wallabies have held the trophy is 5 years, from 1998 to 2002 while New Zealand’s record is 28 years (1951-1978).

The Wallabies face a tough task ahead of them this weekend as Foster has selected an iron team with the likes of both Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga at fullback and fly-half respectively, Aaron Smith marshalling the troops from scrumhalf and Luke Whitelock, Codie Taylor and Ardie Savea up front, to name a few. Sam Cane will captain the side from openside flank.

The Wallabies, however, have put together a side that looks like it could do some damage. In the backs, Matt Toomua, who had an inspired Super Rugby AU season, will partner the talented Hunter Paisami in the midfield while up front the All Blacks will have to contend with the ample capabilities of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson and Michael Hooper.

In 2019, Australia put on a fantastic show in the first test in Perth to outdo the Kieran Read’s All Blacks 47-26.

In the second test at Eden Park, however, the men in  black were ready and waiting, administering a 36-0 hiding on their opponents.

The game has all the makings of a cracker with two teams packed with talent each mentored by an astute coaching staff. Will the Wallabies put in a performance that will go some way to breaking their Bledisloe drought or will the mighty ABs maintain their grip on the trophy? Time will tell.