Rugby Championship: New Zealand Battles Australia For Top Spot in Round 5
by Geoffrey Ejiga
New Zealand vs Australia battle it out for the Bledisloe Cup
All signs suggest the All Blacks should cruise past Australia as they look to defend their Bledisloe Cup, and the best online betting sites agree by placing New Zealand as clear favourites. Our experts have analyzed the matchup thoroughly, and you can discover the best picks in the New Zealand vs Australia prediction.
Looking at the records, Australia are winless at Eden Park since 1984, and a loss tomorrow extends their losing streak against the All Blacks to ten games. However, some analysts say the New Zealand vs Australia clash could be tighter than expected, citing the heavy rain forecast for Saturday’s game.
Extreme weather forces teams to be more conservative with possession, leading to a tighter match. Furthermore, Australia has shown just how resilient they can be under harsh weather conditions, defeating Ireland and England in 2025. However, New Zealand’s record at Eden Park cannot be overlooked.
Form-wise, New Zealand heads into Saturday’s fixture on a mixed run. Despite beating the world champions South Africa 24-17 at Eden Park in round 3, the Springboks stunned New Zealand the very next week, thrashing them 43-10 in the All Blacks' largest ever defeat in history. This mixed form has left fans cautious about what to expect on Saturday.
The same goes for Australia. Despite securing a narrow win against Argentina earlier this month, the Wallabies had no answer to the Pumas, losing 28-26 in the revenge fixture. But it is worth mentioning that Australia is a much-improved side since last year’s Rugby Championship, where they lost five out of six games. Now, the Wallabies sit atop the Rugby Championship table, raising hope they could finally lift the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2003.
New Zealand vs Australia: Confirmed Team Lists
Here are the confirmed 23-man squad selections for New Zealand:
Ardie Savea (Captain), Codie Taylor, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland, Fletcher Newell, Leroy Carter, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Quinn Tupaea, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Simon Parker, Tamaiti Williams, Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Wallace Sititi, Will Jordan.
Here are the confirmed 23-man squad selections for Australia:
Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carlo Tizzano, Corey Toole, Filipo Daugunu, Fraser McReight, Harry Potter, Harry Wilson (Captain), James O’Connor, James Slipper, Jeremy Williams, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Max Jorgensen, Nick Frost, Ryan Lonergan, Taniela Tupou, Tane Edmed, Tate McDermott, Tom Hooper
