Bledisloe II: All Blacks look to dominate, Wallabies hope to bounce back

Although the All Blacks have secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 21st successive year, after last week’s win in Melbourne, they will be hoping to hammer home their dominance against Australia when the two sides face off again on Saturday.

The Bledisloe Cup returns to Dunedin for the first time since 2017, in a rare afternoon Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and the home side will be brimming with confidence after blowing the Wallabies away just six days ago.

Despite clinching the Bledisloe Cup yet again, the All Blacks will not be lacking in motivation as they are set to play in their last Test on New Zealand soil before heading off to the Rugby World Cup in France.

This encounter against the Wallabies will also be an opportunity for the hosts to show off their depth as they have made numerous changes to their run-on side, with Will Jordan, Ardie Savea and Brodie Retallick the only players who have retained their places in the starting line-up.

If the Wallabies want to upset the apple cart then they really have to show considerable improvement in all departments, while the All Blacks will be hoping for a repeat of what worked for them in Bledisloe I. Although Australia showed some nice touches on attack during the early stages of the opening half in Melbourne, they could not sustain that onslaught for the full 80 minutes as they were met by a solid defensive effort from the All Blacks.

With the All Blacks ringing the changes for this game, this will be an important fixture for several players with World Cup spots up for grabs. One man who is almost certain to be included in that group is Will Jordan, who heads into Saturday’s clash in outstanding form after scoring 23 tries in as many Tests.

After impressing on the right wing, he is set to make his first Test appearance at full-back where he has shone for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific. His selection at the back for New Zealand is a popular one amongst All Black fans and he will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form in his new Test position.