Rennie urges All Blacks to stay focused against 'hurting' Wallabies / Photo: Shane WENZLICK - AFP
Rennie urges All Blacks to stay focused against 'hurting' Wallabies
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie urged his side Thursday not to take their foot off the gas with the Bledisloe Cup already secure, warning Australia can be dangerous when "hurting".
The All Blacks whipped the Wallabies 50-19 at Eden Park last weekend to secure the trans-Tasman trophy for a 24th straight time.
They head into the return clash in Sydney on Saturday eyeing a 13th straight victory over their arch-rivals.
"Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line," said Rennie.
"We put in a performance befitting the occasion. Now we need to back that performance up.
"The Wallabies are a proud side and they'll be hurting after last week," he added. "It's a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney."
Rennie made three changes to his starting side with Fabian Holland brought in at lock to replace Josh Lord while George Bower was preferred as loosehead prop to Ethan De Groot.
Josh Moorby got the nod at wing to replace Leroy Carter who faces a stint out after injuring his ankle while scoring a try in the victory at Auckland.
They were among eight changes to the match-day 23 with forwards Asafo Aumua and Anton Segner (both concussion) and Ethan Blackadder (calf) all missing.
Hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi, halfback Cortez Ratima and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai come into the squad as reserves.
They join prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Shannon Frizell and Ioane on the bench.
Australia made four changes to their starting XV with Declan Meredith elevated to playmaker, earning his fourth cap at fly-half after Ben Donaldson was ruled out with a minor upper leg injury.
Prop Aidan Ross comes in for Angus Bell, who will be used off the bench to add strike power in the second-half after the Wallabies were overrun in the final 40 minutes at Eden Park.
Australia went into that game on an unbeaten six-match streak and were only trailing 17-14 at the break before falling to pieces.
Ross is one of two changes to the front row, with hooker Josh Nasser replacing Brandon Paenga-Amosa alongside the experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Australia go into the game without influential centre Len Ikitau who is concussed.
In his absence, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to outside centre, partnering Isaac Henry in the midfield, with Harry Potter coming into the side on the left wing.
"We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better," said Australia coach Les Kiss.
"We've said all along we'll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week.
"Playing our final Test on home soil for 2026 is a huge motivator and we’re determined to put out a performance all Australians can be proud of."
New Zealand:
Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (capt), George Bower.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane
Australia:
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Isaac Henry, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu
M.Sullivanv--NG
