Australia will be desperate to avoid a clean-sweep as they take on the All Blacks in the fourth Bledisloe Cup match in Brisbane. With the All Blacks claiming the Bledisloe Cup for another year, following their win in Sydney, Australia will be playing for pride.
After a promising display in the First Test Match in Wellington, the wheels have well and truly come off for the Wallabies. The home side were horrendous in their first outing at home this season. The match and series were effectively over by half-time, with the All Blacks piling on four times to nil.
Australian coach David Rennie was shell-shocked by the nature of the defeat; the 37-point margin was the largest in the 117-year history of the Bledisloe Cup.
The Wallabies are set to re-introduce experienced fly-half James O’Connor back into the side for the fourth match in Brisbane. O’Connor was a late withdrawal through injury for the match in Sydney, opening the door for Brumbies play-maker Noah Lolesio. Lolesio is inline for a bench spot after showing glimpses of his potential, scoring the Wallabies only try.
New Zealand will be looking to ram home their advantage against an Australian side down on confidence and form. New Zealand were brilliant in the opening half in Sydney and will be wanting to stamp their authority on this young Australian side with another big performance.
Playmaker Richie Mo’unga put on a masterclass against the Wallabies in Sydney, scoring two tries in a one-sided performance. Look for the All Blacks playmaker to continue his form against Australia in Brisbane, and get on the score sheet.
Despite the one side nature of the loss, the Australians are not expecting to make mass changes when their side is named later in the week. New Zealand will be tempted to play with the configuration of their backline and also rush Ardie Savia back into the forward pack. Expect one sided contest with the All Blacks to run out easy winners in Brisbane.
Bledisloe Cup Game Four Odds
Australia – 5.50
New Zealand – 1.16
Tip – New Zealand to win by 15+ points
Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.com
