Australia v New Zealand Match Preview
Updated: 23rd October 2021
Injuries have struck the Wallabies again, this time in the front-row, as they prepare for their dead-rubber match against the All Blacks on Saturday night.
Author: Tim Cronin
Prop Ben Alexander and Hooker Saia Fainga'a have both been withdrawn from the squad with injuries, after having been named in the starting line-up earlier in the week.
There was some much needed good news for embattled coach Robbie Deans though, with versatile utilty back Adam Ashley-Cooper having reovered from his sickening head-clash against South Africa and able to rejoin the run-on 15, and the expereinced Drew Mitchell making his first tentative steps towards a return to rugby by claiming a spot on the bench.
The All Blacks have continued with their trend of making minor changes to their side, with Charlie Faumuina earning his first start in the front-row, and Ben Smith returning to the 22 on the bench.
As if closing in on a world record for consecutive test victories wasn't enough motivation for the World Champions they will also celebrate hooker Keven Mealamu's 100th Test-Cap, and honour head-coach Steve Hansen's late father, who passed away earlier in the week.
Let's be honest, this is a huge task for the Wallabies. Their team has been ravaged by injury, with almost all of their top-string players sitting in the casualty ward, while a mediocre season has left them devoid of confidence. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are riding high on an almost unprecedented string of victories, and have all their front-line players at their disposal. Stranger things have happened, and I have no doubt the 22 men who don the Australian jersey on Saturday night will put up a brave battle, but I simply can't see them getting up.
Prediction: All Blacks by 12.
Rugby Union Championship, Rugby Union Competitions, Rugby Union International, Rugby Union Teams, Rugby Union Today
Relevant news
England vs New Zealand Cricket 1st Test preview
England vs New Zealand Cricket 1st Test preview - Lords Cricket Ground on June 2nd,…
Premier League manager sack race; Roy Hodgson latest favourite
Next Premier League manager to get the sack odds update: Palace's Roy Hodgson is the…
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City
2020-21 UEFA Champions' League Round of 16 First-Leg preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City -…
Wales v Ireland Rugby 6 Nations Preview, Prediction, Odds – Ireland to Edge encounter by 5
Wales v Ireland Rugby 6 Nations Sunday the 7th of February 2021 3pm Kick off…
Rugby 6 Nations Preview & Odds 2021 – Time for Les Blues to shine!
The 2021 Six Nations Championship will be contested between the 6th of February and the…
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Prediction 27/01/2021 – Score Draw for Blues without Lampard
2020-21 Premier League preview: Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Stamford Bridge - Wednesday, 27th January…
Login
Register