All Blacks vs Wallabies: Team News, Key Matchups, and Prediction for Sydney Showdown

Australia vs. New Zealand: All Blacks and Wallabies Team News

The All Blacks have made several changes to their lineup for their match against the Wallabies in Sydney. Four players have been swapped into the starting lineup, while two changes were made to the bench.

All Blacks Changes:
– In the forwards, Ethan de Groot** returns from a neck injury to start as loosehead prop, while Pasilio Tosi will play his second All Blacks test, having made his debut earlier this season against Fiji.
– In the backs, the starting trio that impressed against the Springboks and Argentina is back. Caleb Clarke returns from a back injury to take his place on the left wing, with **Will Jordan** on the right wing and Beauden Barrett at fullback.

**Wallabies Milestone and Changes:**
– On the Wallabies side, **James Slipper** will make history as he earns his 140th test cap, becoming Australia’s most capped player. The veteran prop has been named on the bench for Australia’s Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship clash.
– Coach **Ian Foster** has made several adjustments and brought back key players from injury. In the backs, **Hunter Paisami** returns to the starting lineup after a knee injury, joining **Len Ikitau** in the center pairing.
– **Nic White** and **Noah Lolesio** will start as halfback and fly-half, replacing **Jake Gordon** and **Ben Donaldson** who have been left out of the squad.
– **Tom Wright** is back from an ankle injury to start at fullback, pushing **Andrew Kellaway** to the wing, while **Marika Koroibete** retains his spot on the left wing.

In the forwards, **Fraser McReight** returns to action after impressing in the July internationals, replacing **Carlo Tizzano** at openside flanker. **Rob Valetini** and **Harry Wilson** continue at blindside flanker and No. 8, with Wilson again captaining the team.

**Key Matchups:**
With many fresh faces on both teams, several key matchups will shape this weekend’s encounter. The breakdown battle will be particularly crucial, as both teams favor an up-tempo style of rugby.

**Fraser McReight** will be key for the Wallabies in this area, as he replaces **Carlo Tizzano**, who was among the top tacklers for Australia in previous matches. McReight will go head-to-head with New Zealand’s **Ardie Savea**, whose speed and effectiveness at the breakdown have been game-changing for the All Blacks.

Meanwhile, the dynamic ball-carrying of **Rob Valetini** and New Zealand’s **Wallace Sititi** will be another exciting matchup, with both players playing vital roles in gaining ground for their teams. The leadership and work rate of captains **Harry Wilson** and **Sam Cane** will further intensify the contest, as both lead by example on and off the field.

**Prediction:**
While both teams share a similar record in this year’s Rugby Championship, the All Blacks appear to have the upper hand. Despite losing back-to-back matches against the Springboks, the All Blacks showed resilience, holding the lead in all their matches. In contrast, aside from their win over Argentina, the Wallabies have struggled.

Though the Wallabies, led by the tactical mind of coach Ian Foster, will no doubt come into this match with a solid plan, the All Blacks are likely to win. New Zealand by 10.

**Lineups:**

**New Zealand:**
– 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

**Replacements:** Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece

**Australia:**
– 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell

**Replacements:** Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch