Bledisloe Cup II and the vital match-ups

BLEDISLOE CUP II KEY MATCHUPS

Fullback - Beauden Barrett (NZ) v Kurtley Beale (Aust)

Barrett's four tries in the equivalent encounter last year came from five-eighth but he's looked promising at fullback with limited ball. Beale has allayed fears Australia's attack would shrivel without Israel Folau.

Inside centre - Sonny Bill Williams (NZ) v Samu Kerevi (Aust)

Williams isn't the gamebreaker of old but his return to fitness brings defensive clout which could stifle the exceptional Kerevi, who has been an attacking force of nature all year.

Halfback - Aaron Smith (NZ) v Nic White (Aust)

White enjoyed a saloon passage in Perth. His jinking and linking sliced the Kiwis open routinely, while livewire Smith lived mostly off scraps.

Lock - Patrick Tuipulotu (NZ) v Adam Coleman (Aust)

Both came off the bench in Perth but their big bodies will be hurled into the opening exchanges this week. Coleman must replicate the work of injured star Rory Arnold while Tuipulotu has a World Cup ticket to fight for.

Prop - Nepo Laulala (NZ) v Scott Sio (Aust)

Australia's premier prop can be relied upon for another solid night at the coalface and he'll want to pressure Laulala, introduced for dumped veteran Owen Franks.