Wallabies shuffle the deck; James O'Connor starts, Slipper hits 150
Joe Schmidt has rolled out a raft of changes for the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship showdown with the All Blacks at Eden Park, recalling James O’Connor to the starting XV and preparing a milestone night for stalwart prop James Slipper, who is set to win his 150th Test cap. Injuries to Andrew Kellaway and Rob Valetini, plus the retirement of Nic White, have shaped selection, but form has been a key driver too, with Schmidt backing combinations he believes can handle the Eden Park pressure cooker.
All Blacks selection: winners, losers and the Rieko Ioane debate
On the New Zealand side, a refreshed leadership group led by Ardie Savea headlines the team announcement as the All Blacks aim to rectify their late collapse to the Springboks. Selection talking points abound, with Planet Rugby’s breakdown of winners and losers highlighting returning figures expected to steady the ship. Former Test hero Stephen Donald weighed in on the midfield, suggesting Scott Robertson has “made his bed” over the continued handling of Rieko Ioane’s role at centre.
Sideline subplots: Schmidt vs Robertson and lessons from the Boks
Schmidt addressed speculation of bad blood with All Blacks counterpart Scott Robertson, insisting relations are fine and that off-field noise will not shape the contest. The Wallabies coach has also been frank about habits he is “sick of watching” from his side, sharpening focus on discipline and composure after New Zealand’s chastening Springboks defeat underlined just how quickly momentum can swing in the final quarter.
What to watch on game day
- Wallabies backline balance with O’Connor pulling strings and back-three reshuffles forced by injury.
- All Blacks leadership response under Savea and the impact of returning players tasked with closing out big moments.
- Midfield selection scrutiny, with Ioane’s role and centre chemistry under the microscope.
Eden Park’s aura, a high-stakes rivalry and two coaches under the spotlight set the stage for a compelling Bledisloe chapter.
