AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 07: Matt Philip of Australia wins a lineout over Captain Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on August 07, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Rugby Championship team news: All Blacks vs Wallabies
The Wallabies have called up bruising flanker Lachie Swinton as they promise an aggressive approach in their Rugby Championship opener.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 07: Matt Philip of Australia wins a lineout over Captain Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on August 07, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Australia appeared to send a message to New Zealand in the naming of their matchday squad to face the impressive All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener.
The Wallabies have called up bruising flanker Lachie Swinton as they promise an aggressive approach in their make-or-break Bledisloe Cup clash.
Rugby Championship team news
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie made four changes to the matchday squad in all, claiming he wanted to put “steel” into the Australians for this all-important Rugby Championship faceoff.
“You’ve got to be able to get in their face, and with Swinno coming in and Matt (Philip) coming in it gives us more of an edge,” he said.
“He’s physical, we know that, he’s got a reputation as being reckless, but that’s far from the case.
“So we don’t have an issue. He’ll certainly bring an edge and that’s important for us.”
The All Blacks selectors have gone with the same forward pack named to start last week’s Bledisloe Cup Test, with hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho coming onto the reserves bench for Dane Coles, and Scott Barrett also returning as second row cover.
In the backs, Rieko Ioane moves to centre, replacing Anton Lienert-Brown, who took a knock to his knee on the weekend. Sevu Reece moves to the left wing and Will Jordan comes in on the right wing. Halfback TJ Perenara also returns to the All Blacks matchday 23, as halfback reserve.
All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said: “We’re all excited to be returning to Eden Park for the second Bledisloe Cup Test. It’s been a very ‘forward looking’ week. We were delighted with the result last weekend and obviously had some things that we had to work on this week so that has kept us focussed.
Foster said there was huge motivation amongst the team ahead of this weekend.
“We know that Australia will be disappointed with the result and will lift. It’s a do or die game for them.
“But the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to us. It’s an historic trophy and it’s easy for people to take it for granted based on results in recent years, but throughout history it has been a hard Cup to win, so it’s hugely important.”
READ: Springboks name team for Rugby Championship opener
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Teams
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane; Sam Whitelock (capt), Brodie Retallick; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inikuafe, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett.
Australia: Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (capt), Lachlan Swinton; Matt Philip, Darcy Swain; Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge
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