Live blog: All Blacks v Wallabies
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It's shaping as the most intriguing All Blacks' Test since the 2011 World Cup semi-final against err, Australia, and the subplots are as juicy as ever.
We've got the new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie trying to clean up the mess Robbie Deans left, A fresh-faced young Aussie team, the full return of Sir Ritchie and of course the Quade Cooper factor.
But the biggest story will undoubtedly be which team goes 1-0 up in this three match Test series and it's shaping as a cracker of a night. -
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Anz Station !!! @ ANZ Stadium instagram.com/p/dG6MzEJJws/
by Ticano83 via twitter 8/17/2013 8:56:14 AM -
Wallabies team news:
Ewen McKenzie has rewarded the Brumbies for their Super Rugby form by selecting 10 ACT players - including playmaker Toomua ahead of Quade Cooper - in his first Test team.
McKenzie has surprised by leaving his long-time Queensland five-eighth Cooper on the bench but he is expected to make an impact at some stage.
Tooma, 23, has nine Brumbies teammates in the 23-man Wallabies match-day squad, including four other debutants in prop Scott Sio, lock Scott Fardy, halfback Nic White and three-quarter Tevita Kuridrani - who are all listed as reserves. -
ABs team news:
The big news out of the All Blacks camp is that they are without the key duo of Dan Carter and Liam Messam.Although first five Aaron Cruden should prove an able replacement for Carter, one-test flanker Steven Luatua has a huge challenge tonight in just his second Test and first as a starter.
Otherwise the All Blacks have a consistent look to them but with five players - Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw, Andrew Hore, and Tony Woodcock - over 30 in their starting XV they definitely have an 'old boy' feel. -
Teams:
Wallabies: Jesse Mogg, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, James O'Connor, Matt Toomua, Will Genia, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper.
Reserves: Saia Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Scott Fardy, Liam Gill, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Steven Luatua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty.
Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA) -
Some tackle tips for players controlling the Wallabies reserve first five this weekend. pic.twitter.com/vOP0mufGYH
by Lomu commentary via twitter 8/17/2013 9:08:27 AM -
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No room for Quade in Wallabies lineup. pic.twitter.com/xFlla6LBbM
by Lomu commentary via twitter 8/17/2013 9:14:34 AM -
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Big stadium filling fast #ausvnzl pic.twitter.com/fyINUUJqAX
by JakCharlton via twitter 8/17/2013 9:17:39 AM -
Just realised I've held the Bledisloe Cup more than The Aussies have in the last 10 years. Haha #bledisloe #AUSvNZLby barryflynn85 via twitter 8/17/2013 9:18:02 AM -
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HALF an hour til the @QantasWallabies & @AllBlacks make their way down this golden tunnel #Bledisloe #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/hA3AWLpYuw
by ANZ Stadium via twitter 8/17/2013 9:32:33 AM -
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STATTTTTTTS
If the All Blacks win this game it will be their 100th victory over Australia from a total of 146 test matches played.
Craig Joubert has refereed the All Blacks on 11 occasions, resulting in nine wins, one draw and one loss. That defeat was against Australia in Sydney, in 2008. This weekend will be the eighth time he has officiated in a New Zealand v Australia test match.
This will be the 13th time the Wallabies and All Blacks have played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, and at the moment it's even with both sides having six wins at this venue. The All Blacks have won the last three matches at this stadium, the Wallabies haven't beaten the All Blacks there since 2008.
ANZ Stadium isn't a particularly happy hunting ground for the Wallabies, having won just one of their last five matches there (v South Africa, 2011). Most recently they lost the deciding third test match against the Lions on this ground. -
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