2019 Autumn Internationals – New Zealand vs Australia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Saturday 17th August, 08:35 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Eden Park, Auckland
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Australia? 18c with showers expected throughout
What channel is New Zealand vs Australia on? New Zealand vs Australia will be shown live on Sky Sports Action
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Australia? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Australia? https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24005682DC842826
What was the score in the last meeting? Australia 47-26 New Zealand
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand suffered just a second defeat in 12 meetings against Australia as the All Blacks were made to pay for Scott Barrett’s red card just before the break and another defeat here is likely to see them fall down the world rankings.
- The All Blacks were only narrowly behind at the break but the Wallabies cut loose in the second-half with the man advantage proving critical and it means New Zealand face a big deficit to overturn things in the second leg of the Bledisloe Cup.
- Patrick Tuipulotu is likely to line-up in the second row in place of Barrett who has been hit with a three-week ban whilst other changes could also be forthcoming with props Owen Franks and Joe Moody in danger of missing out here following a poor display last time out.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia took a giant leap to claiming their first Bledisloe Cup since 2002 after they claimed a big win over New Zealand in the first leg but now face a daunting trip to Eden Park as they attempt to complete the series win.
- The Wallabies were brilliant and looked capable of winning the game even before New Zealand were reduced to 14-men just before half-time but they know they are in for a different task altogether as they head to Auckland.
- After such a comprehensive victory, Michael Cheika will be tempted to name the same XV that started last week’s game but he may still opt to make a couple of changes in what could be a more defensive line-up.
THE PREDICTION
Australia are on the verge of claiming their first Bledisloe Cup since 2002 after an emphatic victory over New Zealand last week but face a big task of completing the job as they head to Eden Park. The All Blacks could not handle going down to 14-men and will be on a revenge mission to put that right this week. They could make several changes in their bid to overturn the 21-point deficit and that could prove key as they aim to get back to winning ways.
