'Try to tear each other limb from limb': Wallabies coach responds to Kiwi 'indictment' query

WELLINGTON: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt insists the Bledisloe Cup rivalry is well and truly alive despite New Zealand's decades-old dominance and increasingly friendly relationships off the field.

Incredibly, Australia haven't beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2001 when Eddie Jones was in charge during his first tenure and Matt Burke scored a famous try in a 23-15 win in Dunedin.

The Bledisloe is out of reach for 2024 after a furious Wallabies comeback fell just short in last weekend's 31-28 thriller in Sydney.

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But Sky Stadium is sold out for Saturday's rematch and both Schmidt and All Blacks coach Scott Robertson have paid the fixture due reverence by naming full strength teams.

It is former All Blacks assistant coach Schmidt's first time trying to plot their demise with the Wallabies in his native New Zealand.

"Yeah, to be honest, I hadn't even thought about that," Schmidt said on Thursday after unveiling two changes to his starting team.

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"Lots of people saying 'good luck' and they enjoyed last week's game. That's been the bulk of it (reception), even walking down the street the other day. A couple of different people just stopped me and wished the Wallabies luck, which is great.

"I mean, we flew back (from Sydney) with the All Blacks and the banter between the two teams is pretty positive.

"These guys know each other really well from Super Rugby, from Tests over the years - albeit some of ours are only dipping their toe in for the first time really at this level. Which has been pretty daunting for them to be honest and was particularly daunting at 21-0 down last weekend. I think both teams try to play positively.

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"I think that's great for the game."

Schmidt was then asked whether Kiwis wishing Australia well was an "indictment" on the lopsided rivalry and an indication that they were not viewed as a threat.

"I would like to think it's just New Zealanders being polite," he replied.

"I'd like to think I'm a polite New Zealander and I'm wishing the Wallabies luck, funnily enough, but probably with a little bit more gusto than the normal Kiwi who's just keen to see a really good game."

Schmidt doesn't know Robertson well but has close relationships with many on the All Blacks coaching staff including Jason Ryan, Jason Holland and David Hill.

"They're just good people - I'm not even talking about strategy. I'm just talking about enjoying people's company really," he said.

"And that's what the flight over from Sydney was great to see. Guys who try to tear each other limb from limb the day previous, chatting about all sorts of things from kids to dogs to the weather."

Schmidt confirmed that winger Marika Koroibete suffered a wrist injury during the Sydney Test and while scans had cleared him of serious damage he was not fit to play.

He claimed it was a "moot point" whether or not Koroibete would have been picked after an error-riddled display to which the injury may have contributed.

Wide World of Sports asked Schmidt whether he was disappointed that Koroibete had not reported the injury during the game.

"Well, it wasn't too bad and injuries, often with adrenaline, they don't feel too bad," he said.

"And it was really not until the following morning, it was a bit uncomfortable and then after the flight, it swelled up a bit and it just niggled away. So I wasn't particularly disappointed.

"The players report in the morning after the match anyway and he reported it then so we did get it scanned just to rule out any fracture.

"We were just hopeful that it would settle but unfortunately it hasn't."

Koroibete is the only overseas-based player picked by Schmidt this season and the coach said it was unclear whether he would feature on the Spring Tour.

"That's a discussion between Marika, myself and his Japanese club, which won't happen till after this block."

Dylan Pietsch will get his first Test start on the wing but Schmidt said young speedsters Corey Toole and Darby Lancaster were knocking on the door while Max Jorgensen was ruled out with illness.

Schmidt admitted the first 25 minutes in Sydney were "horrific" defensively and the Wallabies could not afford a repeat if they were to break the drought and finish the Rugby Championship on a positive note.

ALL BLACKS (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell

Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook