Bledisloe black-lash awaits as icon gives verdict on replacement for banned star
Kickoff is still eight days away, but the Wallabies already have their guard up as they prepare for a ferocious Bledisloe Cup black-lash at Auckland’s Eden Park.
There’s a much-needed, and well-justified, buzz around the national team after knocking over the world champion Springboks in Perth on Sunday.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson celebrates after taking down the Springboks. Getty Images
Australia is riding a six-Test unbeaten streak with five of those games coming under the guidance of new coach Les Kiss.
Conversely, Dave Rennie’s All Blacks have lost their last three, all at the hands of South Africa, after New Zealand drew first blood in their four-match series at Ellis Park.
“It wasn’t perfect, but there were some really good, strong qualities there, and that’s a great thing to take forward with confidence,” Kiss told reporters after reviewing the wild 42-38 win.
“But let’s face it, we’re playing a team that hasn’t been beaten there (Eden Park) for 52 Tests or something (53). So it’s going to be a formidable, formidable challenge.
“I wouldn’t know the stats, but the last time they would’ve lost four in a row - I don’t know if that’s happened before - but that makes it even more challenging.
“But the Springboks, they raised the standard, we have to try and meet that. This is another challenge and opportunity for us to see where we can go with it. But we’ve got a huge amount of respect for that New Zealand team, so it’s going to be interesting.”
The All Blacks have lost four consecutive Tests on three occasions, most recently in 1998.
They will be captained by hooker Codie Taylor in Auckland after Ardie Savea was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Kiss needs to find a replacement for suspended inside centre Hunter Paisami, with Tim Horan - one of the greatest ever No.12s - backing another Queensland Reds man to do the job.
“Isaac Henry’s shown that he’s up to Test match footy now,” Stan Sport’s Horan said.
“Hopefully, Len Ikitau’s right (with an ankle injury. I like how Joseph (Suaalii) was on the wing (against South Africa). It gave him a bit more freedom, and I just like the way that he can start to see the game in a better shape, from the wing, and that aerial high ball is his strength.”
Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams was asked whether the team can win the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in Australia in a year’s time.
“Yes,” Williams said.
“The team we’ve got, the players, coaching staff, and the drive, the care that we have for each other and playing for that Wallaby jersey … I’d back us in every day of the week.”
Wallabies squad
Forwards: Harry Wilson (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jock Campbell, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright
Injury cover: Nick Frost
All Blacks squad
Forwards: Codie Taylor (c), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo’unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Bledisloe Cup fixtures
October 10: 5.10pm kickoff AEDT at Eden Park, Auckland
October 17: 3.45pm kickoff AEDT at Accor Stadium, Sydney
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