2024 Bledisloe Match 1

[Burgs]

Wallabies batten down the hatches for All Blacks Test amid external criticism

Tue, Sep 17, 2024, 2:35 PM
Darren Walton - AAP

The Wallabies have bunkered down, intent on escaping the external pressure of trying to break one of the most infamous droughts in Australian sport.

The Wallabies host the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday desperate to end New Zealand's 22-year stranglehold on the Bledisloe Cup.

Australia must win the first of two trans-Tasman Tests to keep the series alive heading to Wellington next week but are backing up from a record-setting 67-27 Rugby Championship loss to Argentina in Santa Fe.

The fallout from the Wallabies' extraordinary capitulation from a 17-point first-half lead has been savage.

Former England Test stars Andy Goode and Ben Youngs want the British and Irish Lions to tour South Africa instead of Australia next year to ensure a competitive series.

The Wallabies, though, aren't listening, instead battening down the hatches to avoid hearing the flak flying about ahead of a must-win showdown with last year's World Cup finalists at Accor Stadium.

"Everyone's going to have their opinion and there's always going to be that external noise," Wallabies prop and former captain Allan Alaalatoa said on Tuesday.

"For us as leaders and as a group, we've got to focus internally on what's important to us.

"We understand that those distractions are going to be there. People are going to say what they think of us.

"But, again, what's important for us is what we believe ourselves and executing our plan throughout the week to then go out there and then perform and then change the external noise that's happening."

Alaalatoa conceded there'd been some serious soul searching on the flight back from Argentina, as well as some stern words from coach Joe Schmidt upon their return.

He said Tuesday's training session was also as torrid a session as he could remember to start a week's build-up.

But the tough love was all necessary if the Wallabies are to compete with the All Blacks, who will also be stewing after suffering rare successive defeats in South Africa to the world champion Springboks.

"The boys know that the All Blacks are a tough outfit, as we all know," he said.

"But a lot of our players here have played a lot of the individuals in Super Rugby, which I think is good for us.

"Our focus is on ourselves. We understand the threats that they're going to bring, but we want to pour all our attention into us delivering our system over and over again as much as we can because as delivering that for 40 isn't good enough.

"You've got to be doing that for 80."

Hunter Paisami racing the clock to be fit for Bledisloe Cup as centre gives injury update

Tue, Sep 17, 2024, 1:35 PM
Nathan Williamson

Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami is pushing to be fit for the opening Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks on September 21.

Paisami missed the trip to Argentina after suffering a knee injury during the defeat to the Springboks in Perth.

Initial speculation suggested Paisami would miss the rest of the Rugby Championship, however, the Reds midfielder was included as he pushes his case to be ready for Saturday's Test at Accor Stadium.

"It's been good. I've been back in yesterday, did some running so it's more taking it day by day," he told reporters.

"I'm still going through some return of play policy at the moment. I'm still up in the air. Just got to get my fitness right and also get the knee strong."

Paisami's reaction during the game was instant, having done a similar injury during the Super Rugby season in 2023.

It saw Max Jorgensen injected in for his Test debut as Andrew Kellaway shifted to centre, with Hamish Stewart the man tasked with filling his spot for the Tests to Argentina.

"The boys played well, especially that first game," Paisami remarked.

"It was awesome to see the boys find a way to win through that last moment of the game, which was special."

The Wallabies are hungry to bounce back after their second-half collapse in Argentina.

"It's been great learnings for us," prop Allan Alaalatoa said.

"We've seen pictures of us throughout both games when we're delivering on the things that we want to deliver on our game plan and the results and territory that we get off the back of that It's just painting and seeing those pictures and then when we go away from our system, seeing those pictures of when it hurts us and really trying to get an understanding of what it's like.

"Those have been the tough learnings for us over the last 48 hours but it's been a really good two days of prep so far for us."

[Burgs]

All Blacks recall Beauden Barrett for Australia Test

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 6:46 AM
AFP

Veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled to the New Zealand team named Thursday to face Australia in The Rugby Championship as All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson made four changes.

Barrett, 33, who has played 130 Tests, was dropped from the starting side for the defeat to South Africa in Cape Town. He comes in at full-back against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday, replacing Will Jordan who switches to the wing.

Loose-head prop Ethan de Groot has recovered from a neck injury to take the place of Tamaiti Williams, who drops to the bench. On the wing, Caleb Clarke takes over from Mark Tele'a, who misses out on the matchday squad.

The back three combination of Barrett, Jordan and Clarke ran riot when the All Blacks thrashed Argentina 42-10 in Auckland last month.

"We have selected an experienced team which has combinations that have played some of our best rugby this season," Robertson said in a statement.

The All Blacks boss is under pressure with New Zealand having won just one of their last four games, losing both Tests in South Africa after a shock home defeat in Wellington against Argentina last month.

The three defeats mean New Zealand are out of contention to retain the championship title with the Springboks top of the table.

After the Test in Sydney, Australia travel to face the All Blacks in Wellington a week later.

The teams will play for the Bledisloe Cup, which New Zealand has held since 2003, in the back-to-back matches.

"The Bledisloe Cup is so revered by both of these teams, we are expecting a classic showdown against our Australian rivals," Robertson added.

All Blacks replacement full back Ruben Love has been ruled out of both Tests against the Wallabies with a quadricep injury. Prop Fletcher Newell is sidelined by a calf strain.

Australia will name their team later Thursday.

New Zealand

1 Ethan de Groot
2 Codie Taylor
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 Scott Barrett ©
5 Tupou Vaa'i
6 Wallace Sititi
7 Sam Cane
8 Ardie Savea
9 Cortez Ratima
10 Damian McKenzie
11 Caleb Clarke
12 Jordie Barrett
13 Rieko Ioane
14 Will Jordan
15 Beauden Barrett

16 Asafo Aumua
17 Tamaiti Williams
18 Pasilio Tosi
19 Sam Darry
20 Luke Jacobson
21 TJ Perenara
22 Anton Lienert-Brown
23 Sevu Reece

[Burgs]

All Blacks chase ruthless edge in warning to Wallabies

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 8:59 AM
Darren Walton - AAP

Scott Robertson is demanding a ruthless edge from his smarting All Blacks as the 20-time champions bid to bounce back from their worst-ever start to a Rugby Championship.

Robertson has been surfing with league legend Andrew Johns this week to ease the tension ahead of what the first-year All Blacks boss candidly admits to being his most important match since taking the reins from Ian Foster.
The All Blacks head into Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney off the back of successive defeats in South Africa and a rare home loss to Argentina to kick off the 2025 Rugby Championship.

"We've put a lot of preparation in, as much as the Aussies would, and that gives you the sort of underlying confidence going into it, but there's always a little bit of trepidation," Robertson said on Thursday.

"It's the appropriate fear that comes with any sport, especially contact sport.

"It's going to be a hell of a Bledisloe Cup."

Robertson is relishing his coaching match-up with fellow New Zealander Joe Schmidt, whose Wallabies are also coming off a loss, a record 67-27 submission to the Pumas in Santa Fe.

"That's what people want to read; the personality of the coaches, and full respect to Joe - he's taken on a hell of a job," Robertson said.

"It's an opportunity for him this week to show what his group's about.

"Last week's result is irrelevant. It's this week and Joe's got them structured enough to play some great ball in hand.

"They swing well, they know when they can kick the ball, they can hold the ball for high phases, they know what they're doing - with a little bit of bite in them, which they'll have."

The All Blacks also expect Schmidt to have some signature tricks in store at Accor Stadium.

"He's got a hell of a library of moves and uses a few trademarks in the way his teams play," Robertson said.

"(He) tries to catch a lazy defender out or find a way to get him and you think, 'Ooh, that's pretty good'.

"So sometimes you try to be two steps ahead and he takes you down the wrong alley, but you just keep your eyes open for anything (against Schmidt)."

The All Blacks, though, hope to counter Schmidt's smarts with clinical precision.

"We want to finish well. We're creating so much and created a lot of opportunities in South Africa that we didn't execute," Robertson said.

"So execution is on top of our mind, but we just want a really good energy over here, make sure we build off what we've done before but be a bit more ruthless."

[chiraag]

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday September 21 at 3:45pm AEST
1. Angus Bell (31 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (10 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (54 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (19 Tests)
5. Jeremy Williams (6 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (46 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (20 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (c) (17 Tests)
9. Nic White (69 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (23 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (62 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (29 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (33 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (33 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (31 Tests)

Replacements
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (14 Tests)
17. James Slipper (139 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (74 Tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (35 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (35 Tests)
22. Tom Lynagh (3 Tests)
23. Dylan Pietsch (2 Tests)

Not a fan of a lot of those changes to the Wallabies.
Our attack showed more in the first 30 minutes in Argentina with Donaldson at 10, than it has for the whole time Lolesio has been at 10 this year.
Likewise with Hamish at 12, who's also provided a lot more across the field than Paisami, who's a one trick pony that seems to prevent the ball from getting to the outside backs.
Koroibete and Slipper have clearly been off the pace for the whole tournament and needed to be dropped.
Kellaway looked better at fullback than Wright, who has again become pretty one dimensional and has been dummying then running the ball himself 9 times out of 10, so would be better on the wing.

Will be surprising if the game isn't somewhat of a bloodbath.
Looking forward to seeing how BPA goes though. Hopefully he helps strengthen the scrum.

[Burgs]

White, Paisami start as Slipper prepares to break Wallabies record in first Bledisloe Test

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 9:58 AM
Nathan Williamson

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has called Nic White and Hunter Paisami into the starting side as he confirms his team to face the All Blacks in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney.

White returns for his first appearance since the Springboks Tests and partners Noah Lolesio after he overcame a back issue.

It reflects the new-look backline as the returning Hunter Paisami lines up at inside centre.

Paisami missed the trip to Argentina with a knee injury and is joined by Len Ikitau, with Tom Wright (ankle) re-taking his place at fullback.

Fraser McReight makes his first appearance in the Rugby Championship after recovering from a broken finger.

It's the lone change to the starting side as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto makes his return from a shoulder injury on the bench.

Prop James Slipper will break the record for most caps by an Australian in Test Rugby history.

He has been named on the bench and will pass George Gregan's mark of 139 on his inclusion in the game.

In doing so, he will be on the verge of breaking into the top five for most Test caps ever, set to tie Brian O'Driscoll if he plays the second Bledisloe Test.

Slipper is joined on the bench by Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who plays his first game for the Wallabies since 2021, and Dylan Pietsch.

“The players have reconnected well this week for our last game on home soil this year," Schmidt said in a statement.

“We’ve acknowledged the poor finish to our time in Argentina and we’re keen to turn that around on what will be a particularly special day for James and his family.”

The Wallabies will also wear their First Nations jersey, which they won in the July series against Wales in Melbourne.

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday September 21 at 3:45pm AEST

1. Angus Bell (31 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

2. Matt Faessler (10 Tests) – USQ Saint

3. Taniela Tupou (54 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (19 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (6 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (46 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (20 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (17 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Nic White (69 Tests) – Maitland Blacks

10. Noah Lolesio (23 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Marika Koroibete (62 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji

12. Hunter Paisami (29 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (33 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Andrew Kellaway (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (31 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles


16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (14 Tests) – Southern Districts

17. James Slipper (139 Tests) - Bond Pirates

18. Allan Alaalatoa (74 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (35 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (35 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Tom Lynagh (3 Tests) - University of Queensland

23. Dylan Pietsch (2 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms

Additional content from the Force article-

Western Force scrum-half Nic White will return to the Wallabies’ starting XV for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks.

The 34-year-old half-back will start along with Force captain Jeremy Williams, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Dylan Pietsch also in the 23 as reserves.

Force trio Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson all miss out after playing in the last Test against Argentina.

Paenga-Amosa will pull on the gold jersey for the first time since 2021after returning to Australian Rugby from France earlier this year.

[Burgs]

Not a fan of a lot of those changes to the Wallabies.
Our attack showed more in the first 30 minutes in Argentina with Donaldson at 10, than it has for the whole time Lolesio has been at 10 this year.
Likewise with Hamish at 12, who's also provided a lot more across the field than Paisami, who's a one trick pony that seems to prevent the ball from getting to the outside backs.
Koroibete and Slipper have clearly been off the pace for the whole tournament and needed to be dropped.
Kellaway looked better at fullback than Wright, who has again become pretty one dimensional and has been dummying then running the ball himself 9 times out of 10, so would be better on the wing.

Will be surprising if the game isn't somewhat of a bloodbath.
Looking forward to seeing how BPA goes though. Hopefully he helps strengthen the scrum.

Hard to argue any of that.
I don't get that if players are suitable to be selected individually why they wouldn't be better off in combinations of SR pairings.
Baring mind no one would have anticipated the scoreline prematch, he had the opportunity last week to start White with Donaldson and Stewart.
Now he drops those two and brings White in without his familiar pilferer (Tizzano).
Is it a case of deliberately stirring everything up to test out individuals and hoping new combinations are better than established ones?
Paisami will want to have a blinder to justify the dropping of Stewart and Kellaway should be #15 or #23, he isn't a Test Winger.

[brokendown gunfighter]

tizzano needs a spell,even for one game

[Burgs]

Schmidt not thinking Bledisloe as coach focus on improvement

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 4:53 PM
Darren Walton - AAP

Too savvy to poke the bear, Joe Schmidt is refusing to think about bringing the Bledisloe Cup back to Australia as he braces for a fierce backlash from his former All Blacks.

Schmidt admits it will be "a bit awkward" coaching against many players he knows better than the Wallabies for the first time in charge of Australia in Saturday's trans-Tasman series opener in Sydney.

But New Zealand's 2023 World Cup assistant is promising to put friendship and patriotism to the side when the Wallabies strive to keep their 2024 Bledisloe hopes alive with victory at Accor Stadium.

"You have a loyalty to the group of men you're working with at the current time," Schmidt said after naming his side on Thursday.

Knowing he needs all the experience he can muster to keep the All Blacks at bay, Schmidt selected veteran prop James Slipper to become Australia's most-capped Wallaby of all time when he runs out for his 140th Test.

After making his debut in 2010 against England as a 21-year-old, Slipper will surpass George Gregan's record after being named as the replacement loosehead prop for the must-win showdown.

Fraser McReight and Hunter Paisami return to the back row and centres respectively after recovering from injury, while Nic White has replaced halfback Jake Gordon in the only other change to the starting side that surrendered 67-27 last up against Argentina in Santa Fe.

The Wallabies need to beat the All Blacks in Sydney for the first time since 2015 to keep the series alive heading to Wellington for Bledisloe II on Saturday week, and thus stay in the hunt to wrestle back the coveted silverware that's been locked up in New Zealand for 22 years.

Schmidt insisted he was too pragmatic to entertain the thought of busting the most infamous drought in Australian sport.

"Because for me it's all about process driven," he said.

"Can we get better at that and that? A couple of the things that we didn't do well in Santa Fe.

"Can we see marked improvement in those areas and can we retain some real positives?

"We were 20 points to three up after 30 minutes so the catastrophe that it was, wasn't for 80 minutes.

"What can we take out of that game and keep building? What do we really need to build our way back and do?

"The Bledisloe is a massive trophy. It's something that I know the All Blacks treasure and the Wallabies would like to treasure.

"They haven't seen it for quite some time and so it would be great if they could at least get a hand on it and keep it live to Wellington.

"But I think what we've been working on is really just trying to do elements of the game better rather than talking about anything that's outcome focused or result focused."

Knowing the All Blacks as he does, Schmidt conceded the Wallabies would need to play almost perfect rugby to bring down their arch rivals.

"I understand the firepower that we're up against on Saturday," he said.

"And I understand that having been associated with them and watching that World Cup final and playing 55 minutes with 14 players and losing by a point, where you have a couple of tries in the second half and one that didn't count.

"That's how narrow the margins were. That's how good they are. That in itself should keep our Wallaby boys on edge, I've no doubt."