Bledisloe Cup selection shake-up: Savea leads All Blacks, Schmidt rings changes for Wallabies
The All Blacks and Wallabies have named their match-day squads for the next Bledisloe Cup clash at Eden Park, with both sides making significant calls after contrasting weeks. Following a defeat to the Springboks, New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has handed the captaincy to Ardie Savea and made notable changes to the team. Across the Tasman, Joe Schmidt has reacted to Australia’s Round Four loss to Argentina by making six changes, while confirming two major storylines: James O’Connor starts at fly-half after a whirlwind week, and veteran prop James Slipper will reach a landmark 150th Test cap.
All Blacks selection: Savea’s leadership and a response to Springboks defeat
Scott Robertson has refreshed his match-day squad in the wake of the loss to South Africa, signalling a desire for a strong response at Eden Park. The headline is Ardie Savea taking on the captaincy, a decision that underlines his stature as a talismanic leader and all-action No 8. With changes across the lineup, New Zealand will look to restore momentum and assert control in one of world rugby’s most imposing fortresses.
- Ardie Savea named captain for the Eden Park Test.
- Razor Robertson makes “big changes” to the squad after the Springboks defeat.
- Emphasis on intensity, breakdown accuracy and tactical clarity at home.
Wallabies selection: six changes, O’Connor at 10, Slipper’s historic milestone
Joe Schmidt has moved decisively, altering four positions in the backline and two in the pack after Australia’s loss to Argentina in Sydney. The most eye-catching call is James O’Connor’s return at No 10 following a globe-trotting week: he flew to England to link up with Leicester Tigers, only to head back after being named in the Wallabies squad. Meanwhile, James Slipper will become the first Wallaby to play 150 Tests — a testament to his longevity, consistency and leadership in the front row.
- Six changes in total: four in the backline, two in the forwards.
- James O’Connor starts at fly-half after dashing back from England.
- James Slipper set for a record 150th Wallabies appearance.
Key storylines to watch
New Zealand’s reaction under Savea’s captaincy will be scrutinised, especially at the breakdown and in game management. Australia’s reshaped backline with O’Connor at the helm adds creativity and experience, while Slipper’s milestone brings added motivation up front. With Eden Park hosting on Saturday and a second Test to follow in Perth, the Bledisloe stakes and Rugby Championship points combine to set the stage for a blockbuster.
Why it matters
For the All Blacks, this is about reasserting standards and cohesion under pressure. For the Wallabies, Schmidt’s selection calls aim to spark sharpness in attack and steel in the set-piece, with the added emotional lift of Slipper’s 150th. Expect a high-tempo, physical contest where leadership — Savea’s on one side, Slipper and O’Connor’s influence on the other — could prove decisive.
