Jack Snape

double quotation mark The return Bledisloe Cup match for the Wallabies is the showpiece in a glorious afternoon of Australian union beginning with the Wallaroos’ clash against Scotland, followed by two sevens showdowns against the men’s Fiji side and New Zealand’s women.

The carnival spirit of the afternoon, however, will be cancelled if the Wallabies are tortured like they were against the All Blacks in Eden Park last week. The 17-14 half-time margin made way for a 50-19 humbling, just the ninth time in Australia’s proud rugby history their men’s XV have copped a half-century. The win was the All Blacks’ 12th in a row against the Wallabies, quashing optimism that had built steadily over the first three months under coach Les Kiss.

Preamble

Jonathan Howcroft

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the second and final match of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup. Kick-off at Sydney’s Accor Stadium is scheduled for 4pm local time (6pm NZDT).

The destination of the humungous silver trophy may already be decided for another year but there remains plenty to play for as the Wallabies sign off on home soil for 2026. Not least demonstrating the capacity to bounce back after a first defeat in six matches.

Last weekend’s reverse in Auckland exacerbated Australia’s issues at No 10, forcing another round of playmaker musical chairs. It also reinforced concerns over the national team’s strength in depth. While the first XV is now world class, and a fully fit squad is up there with the best, injuries, suspensions, and European absentees reveal a threadbare group.

Les Kiss’s ability to make the most of the talent at his disposal will be put to the test in Sydney as he makes do without the likes of Will Skelton, Len Ikitau, Carter Gordon, and Taniela Tupou, not to mention a host of other contenders for spots in his matchday 23.

“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need ⁠to be better,” Kiss said during the week. “We’ve said all along ​we’ll continue to work ​hard and grow our game, ​and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared ​this week.”

The All Blacks are far from full strength themselves but they stormed home in the second half at Eden Park and arrive at Accor Stadium with only minimal changes. They were guided around masterfully in Auckland by Cam Roigard, the scrum-half benefiting from the instinct of Damien McKenzie and experience of Beauden Barrett on his outside.

Even on Australian soil New Zealand will start hot favourites to extend their already record winning streak against the Wallabies to 13.

I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.