- All Blacks at -17 on the h’cap (10/11)
- Marika Koroibete first try-scorer (14/1)
International rugby resumes on Sunday in Wellington with the first of four Bledisloe Cup tests between New Zealand and Australia.
For both teams, it is the start of a new era with Ian Foster stepping up from his position as No.2 to take over from Steve Hansen as head coach, while Dave Rennie has succeeded Michael Cheika as the man in charge of the Wallabies.
Considered to be ‘a safe pair of hands’, Foster has selected a familiar-looking starting XV that should easily have the measure of a rookie Wallabies outfit that includes three debutants in Queensland Reds trio Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu and Hunter Paisami.
James O’Connor is enjoying something of a renaissance since his return to Australia following a spell overseas, but only four of his 41 starts have come at fly-half, his position on Sunday – three of those were against the Lions in 2013, though.
A cut above
While those players impressed in Super Rugby Australia, the level of that competition was not a patch on the New Zealand equivalent.
Super Rugby Aotearoa was several levels above anything seen in recent years in either hemisphere with its free-flowing rugby thrilling spectators until the stadium closed signs went up due to the return of Covid-19.
Jordie Barrett proved himself to be the form full-back in his performances for the Hurricanes, which makes his selection on the right wing look a little left field.
Shannon Frizzell was another to impress and he forms what appears to be a well-balanced back-row trinity with new captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
Aaron Smith appears to be getting better with age and in fly-half Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett, who lines up at 15 instead of his brother, they have two quality playmakers.
Will Jordan, the electric Crusaders full-back, is named on a strong-looking bench that can be trusted to pile on the points for the All Blacks.
We take the All Blacks to overcome the -17 handicap and easily maintain their 19-year unbeaten record against the Wallabies on home soil – a run of 23 matches.
If he can expose Jordie Barrett defensively early on, Wallaby powerhouse winger Marika Koroibete might be worth a nibble to be first try-scorer at 14/1.
How they line up:
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Tupou Vaai, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Caleb Clarke.
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Harry Wilson, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Rob Valetini, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Noah Lolesio, 23 Reece Hodge
