- The Australia vs New Zealand prediction article for Bledisloe Cup Test breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The two sides will lock horns on Saturday October 17, in Sydney.
- Kick off set for 8am EAT.
Rugby fans are in for a treat on Saturday morning when Australia host New Zealand in a thrilling second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Following New Zealand’s dominant 50–19 demolition of Australia at Eden Park last weekend, the coveted Bledisloe Cup has already been retained by the All Blacks for a 24th consecutive year.
For the Wallabies, this match offers a desperate shot at redemption as they look to erase the memory of their second-half collapse and prove they can stand toe-to-toe with their fierce rivals.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be aiming for a ruthless series sweep to reinforce their psychological dominance on Australian soil.
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The stakes remain high despite the silverware already being secured by the visitors.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has issued a rallying cry for his team to “return fire” and maintain the competitive edge that saw them trail by just three points at halftime in Auckland.
A victory for Australia would end an agonising drought against the All Blacks in Sydney that stretches back to 2015.
The Wallabies have not also beaten New Zealand since their clash in Brisbane in November 2020.
For New Zealand coach Dave Rennie, the Test presents a valuable opportunity to fine-tune squad combinations and build momentum ahead of the team’s upcoming international fixtures.
What time does the Australia vs New Zealand match kick off?
The two sides will lock horns on Saturday, October 17, at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with kick-off scheduled for 8am East Africa Time.
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Australia vs New Zealand team news
The visitors have made eight changes to the squad that faced Australia at Eden Park last weekend, with three alterations to the starting 15.
Prop George Bower moves from the bench to start at loosehead, while lock Fabian Holland partners Scott Barrett in the second row.
Wing Josh Moorby, who came off the bench at Eden Park, gets the nod on the left wing.
Hooker Samisoni Taukeiaho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, halfback Cortez Ratima and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai join the matchday 23 as reserves, alongside prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Shannon Frizell and outside back Rieko Ioane.
For the hosts, the backline has been heavily reshuffled after fly-half Ben Donaldson suffered a leg injury, paving the way for Declan Meredith to take over the pivotal number 10 jersey.
Additionally, cross-code sensation Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i moves to outside centre, bringing much-needed defensive steel and ball-carrying power to the Wallabies’ backline.
Wallabies vs All Blacks line-ups
- WALLABIES: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Isaac Henry, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu.
- ALL BLACKS: Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (capt), George Bower.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane.
Australia vs New Zealand head-to-head record and recent meetings
The All Blacks and Australia have met 182 times, with New Zealand claiming 129 victories, the Wallabies winning 45 and eight encounters ending in draws.
The sides last met at Accor Stadium on September 21, 2024, when the All Blacks edged Australia 31–28.
Last five meetings
- 2026 – New Zealand 50–19 Australia – Auckland
- 2025 – New Zealand 28–14 Australia – Perth
- 2025 – New Zealand 33–24 Australia – Auckland
- 2024 – New Zealand 33–13 Australia – Wellington
- 2024 – New Zealand 31–28 Australia – Sydney
Australia vs New Zealand prediction and betting tips
When the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park last weekend, it marked the 54th time New Zealand had won the trophy and the 24th consecutive year it had held the coveted silverware.
New Zealand head into this encounter brimming with confidence after their emphatic victory and are favourites to claim another win.
They could also establish an early advantage by halftime, putting the Wallabies under further pressure.
However, Australia will be eager to respond in front of their home crowd, potentially making this a much tighter contest than the previous meeting.
With both sides expected to bring plenty of intensity to the occasion, a high-scoring shootout is not guaranteed.
Under 50 total points could be worth considering if the match develops into a closely contested, defence-oriented battle.