The last time the home side lost was in 1994, before the pride of New Zealand began their unbeaten run at Auckland’s famous venue. It now stands at 53 Tests. Australia’s record there is ugly.
Just four wins in almost 100 years, the latest coming in 1986, the same year Wallabies coach Les Kiss debuted for the North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Rugby League. Suspended inside centre Hunter Paisami has been replaced by Isaac Henry. The decision to keep Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing rather than move him back into the midfield is a statement of intent by Kiss.
I have no doubt it’s going to be important again, so fingers crossed that works.” The All Blacks are stewing after an opening victory in their series against the Springboks made way for a 3-1 series defeat. The last time the team lost four matches in a row was in 1998. Injury has forced them into a playmaking reshuffle.
The season of fly half Ruben Love is over due to ankle surgery, and Richie Mo’unga withdrew this week with a calf complaint. Fullback Damian McKenzie has shifted to No 10, prompting a return for veteran Beauden Barrett at 15. Kiss had only praise for McKenzie and Barrett, who have more than 200 combined caps.
The New Zealander took on the role this year after spending three years coaching Kobe in Japan, but ahead of his first match against his former side he played down any personal grudge against Rugby Australia. The unbeaten run at Eden Park, as well as their 23-year hold on the Bledisloe Cup, have been discussed internally this week. Kiss described Tupaea as the “best centre all year”, and highlighted the challenge of the All Blacks in various facets of the game, including their aerial ability, physicality and comfort in broken play.
It means five-eighth Declan Meredith will likely be given minutes to challenge starter Ben Donaldson, who is yet to make the No 10 jersey his.
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