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Rennie brushes off Wallabies sacking as Suaalii kept on wing for Bledisloe opener

Injuries shape lineups as Wallabies seek to end Bledisloe Cup drought

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has retained Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing to use his aerial ability, while All Blacks coach Dave Rennie brushes off his past sacking by the Wallabies, saying it is "not about me". The rivals named their teams on Tuesday for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.

Len Ikitau has overcome an ankle injury to start at centre for the Wallabies, replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami. Isaac Henry returns at outside-centre, and Massimo De Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny join the bench, replacing Taniela Tupou and Tom Hooper, who have returned to their clubs.

For the All Blacks, pivot Richie Mo'unga has been ruled out. Beauden Barrett shifts to fullback and Damian McKenzie starts at number 10. The All Blacks had already lost pivot Ruben Love to injury.

Australia have not won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, but enter the contest on a six-game unbeaten streak. With New Zealand having lost their last three Tests to South Africa, the Wallabies are being talked up as a potential threat. Rennie, who was abruptly sacked as Wallabies coach, said he is not using that as fuel. Kiss, meanwhile, confirmed Suaalii will be deployed on the wing to contest kicks with his leaping ability.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Bledisloe Cup history: The Wallabies have not won the trophy since 2002, so each match is a step towards ending that drought.
  • Personal narrative: Rennie coaching against his former team adds a dramatic element.
  • Selection decisions: Suaalii's use on the wing and Ikitau's return could influence the game's outcome.

Background

The Bledisloe Cup is the annual trans-Tasman rugby series between Australia and New Zealand. The Wallabies have struggled for dominance since the early 2000s. Dave Rennie was sacked as Wallabies coach and now coaches the All Blacks, while Les Kiss leads the Wallabies. The opening match at Eden Park carries extra weight this year with both teams coming off different runs of form.

Key Perspectives

Dave Rennie (All Blacks coach): He says the sacking is behind him and the focus is on the match, not on personal motives. Les Kiss (Wallabies coach): He has confidence in his selected lineup, especially using Suaalii as an aerial weapon against kicks. Critics/Skeptics: Some may question whether Rennie's history will affect his decisions or whether the Wallabies' unbeaten streak reflects weaker opposition.

What to Watch

  • How effectively the Wallabies use Suaalii to contest kicks.
  • Ikitau's fitness and impact after injury.
  • Whether the All Blacks' injury-hit lineup can contain the Wallabies' momentum.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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