The All Blacks and Wallabies will meet in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October, for the second Bledisloe Cup Test of 2026. New Zealand will aim to finish the series with another victory, while Australia will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing opening defeat.
Kick-off is scheduled for 07:00 South African time (SAST) at Accor Stadium in Sydney, according to the All Blacks’ official team announcement. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand.
New Zealand claimed a convincing 50-19 victory at Eden Park in Auckland last weekend, securing the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year. Although the trophy is already decided, both teams have plenty to play for in the return fixture.
All Blacks make three changes
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting team following the opening Test. George Bower replaces Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, Fabian Holland comes into the second row, and Josh Moorby starts on the left wing.
Codie Taylor captains the side from hooker, with Fletcher Newell completing the front row alongside Bower. Scott Barrett partners Holland in the second row, while Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi make up the loose-forward combination.
Cam Roigard starts at scrum-half, with Damian McKenzie at fly-half. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea form the midfield, while Will Jordan starts on the right wing and Beauden Barrett at fullback.
Rennie has stressed that his team still has room for improvement despite the emphatic opening victory. New Zealand will want to maintain its attacking momentum while tightening up areas that allowed Australia to score three tries in the first Test.
Wallabies reshuffle after heavy defeat
Australia coach Les Kiss has made several changes as he looks for a stronger response on home soil.
Fly-half Ben Donaldson has been ruled out with an injury to his kicking leg, giving Declan Meredith an opportunity to start at No. 10. Uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been included among the replacements.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to the centres alongside Isaac Henry, while Harry Potter comes into the starting side on the wing. The forward pack has also been reshuffled, with Aidan Ross and Josh Nasser featuring in the front row.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set to earn his 50th Test cap for Australia, providing an important milestone in a challenging week for the Wallabies.
Australia will need greater defensive discipline, improved handling and better control of possession to challenge the visitors.
Despite losing the Bledisloe Cup, a victory would give the Wallabies a valuable confidence boost ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil. For the All Blacks, another win would provide further momentum as the international season continues.
