THE WALLABIES ARE “hungry” to snap a 17-year Bledisloe Cup drought, coach Michael Cheika warned today as he savours the chance to inflict back-to-back defeats on the All Blacks.
His team stunned the world champions 47-26 in Perth last weekend and head to Auckland needing another win to claim the trans-Tasman silverware for the first time since 2002.
An All Blacks victory would level the series and see them retain the trophy as holders, gaining a psychological edge heading into their World Cup title defence in Japan next month.
“We know we haven’t had it for a long time and we’re hungry to get it, to go there and do our best and try and take the trophy,” Cheika said ahead of the team’s departure from Melbourne, where they have been fine-tuning before Saturday’s blockbuster clash.
“We know we’re going to come up against an excellent opponent who is ready to go as well. That’s why the game is so looked forward to and anticipated.”
Cheika named an unchanged side, apart from one injury-enforced absence, as he looks to build on their record win in the Bledisloe Cup opener.
The only change is Adam Coleman, who will start his first Test of 2019, replacing giant lock Rory Arnold who hurt his hand in Perth, with Rob Simmons among the reserves.
It is an otherwise familiar team with Nic White and Christian Lealiifano again preferred to Will Genia and Bernard Foley in the playmaking roles, and former bad boy James O’Connor retaining his place at outside centre.
Utility Adam Ashley-Cooper was included on the bench for his first Test of the year, and an appearance will hand him his 118th cap.
Along with Ashley-Cooper the reserves include Genia (103 Tests), Simmons (96) and James Slipper (89), making it the second most-capped bench the Wallabies have ever named and the first time they have boasted two Test centurions as replacements.
’Special one’
Injury-hit former captain David Pocock, who has barely played all season, trained with the squad this week but was not included in the match-day 23.
That leaves just one Test against Samoa in Sydney on September 7 for the acclaimed flanker to get match practice ahead of the World Cup.
Despite last week’s win, Australia face a mammoth task on Saturday — they have not tasted victory at Eden Park since 1986 with the All Blacks on a 42-match unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue.
Nowhere in New Zealand has been a happy hunting ground for the Wallabies, who have lost their last 22 away games to the All Blacks, with their last victory at Dunedin in 2001.
“Obviously when you play New Zealand you know you’re going to get the quality of play, the physicality as well. You know you’re going to get that every time from them,” said Cheika.
“Like I said last week, when they have 15 on the field it’s like they have 20.
“We just want to build on our footy and have a really good attitude. We know how much this (Bledisloe Cup) means to a lot of Aussies.”
George Gregan, the last Australian captain to lift the Bledisloe Cup and the most capped Wallaby of all-time, agreed it was a huge occasion.
“It’s a big trophy and it means a lot to both countries. It’s a special one to have but you’ve got to work really, really hard to get it,” he told rugby.com.au.
Australia (15-1)
Kurtley Beale; Reece Hodge, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio
Replacements: Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Liam Wright, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper
Can’t wait. This has all the hallmarks of a cracker. NZ obviously favourites but this Australia back line was really impressive both halves last week. Hope it’s lives up to the hype.
@Quoka:
What is up with them blowing hot and cold this season (in a major way )
@Martin Quinn: It’s been like that since 2004 for Australia. The Golden Generation of the late 80’s through to 2003 were incredible. There were world class players 1 through 15 but mismanagement of the game at club level and a generally underperforming administration has affected us since then. That what makes this match so important – a win here would galvanize Australia and a good Australia team is good for world rugby, not least of all because of the traditional style of play of Wallabies teams. Hansen himself said it last week, our attacking philosophy has always been the closest to NZ even if the execution has lacked since 2004.
Hot and cold we may run, but come World Cups you’d be brave to bet against us being in the semis at least.
@Quoka:
Not a good weekend but as you said they are always one game away from doing something big :: you just dont know !!
I really can’t wait to see Pocock back in the gold jersey. What a player
world cup warm up !!
When is it on, Irish time?
@Sham Carr: 8:35am Dublin time.
@Quoka:
Where can you see it ? thanks
@Martin Quinn: Sky have it, Martin.
@Martin Quinn: live net tv or cricfree for free
@Quoka: and Eoin Murphy
Thanks lads !!
Come on ye all blacks !!!!!!