Bledisloe Cup Opener at Eden Park
New Zealand and Australia meet at Auckland's Eden Park for the opening match of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup. The All Blacks enter the fixture under new head coach Dave Rennie, while the Wallabies arrive under head coach Les Kiss riding a six-match unbeaten run. [1] [2]
Squad Changes and Injury Concerns
The All Blacks face a significant injury list, missing fly-half Richie Mo'unga due to a calf tear and winger Fehi Fineanganofo with delayed concussion symptoms, alongside long-term absentees including Ardie Savea. Damian McKenzie shifts from fullback to five-eighth, with Beauden Barrett taking the No 15 jersey and Scott Barrett returning to the second row. The Wallabies made an enforced change to their starting lineup with Isaac Henry replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii retains his spot on the wing. [1]
Historical Context at a Historic Fortress
Australia enters the match attempting to break a daunting historical trend at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have maintained an undefeated streak at the venue since 1994, spanning 53 Tests. The Wallabies' last victory at the Auckland ground occurred in 1986. [1]
Sources
- New Zealand v Australia: Bledisloe Cup rugby union international – live — 2026-10-10T07:16:42.000Z
- All Blacks v Wallabies, LIVE BLOG: Follow our coverage of the Bledisloe Cup fixture — 2026-10-10T06:04:20Z