All Blacks face Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park

New Zealand hosts Australia at Eden Park on Saturday in the first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests, with kick-off at 08:10 South Africa time. The All Blacks enter the match on a three-game losing streak following a 3-1 series defeat to South Africa, while the Wallabies arrive unbeaten in their last six matches, including a 42-38 victory over the Springboks in Perth.

New Zealand cannot overtake South Africa at the top of the World Rugby rankings regardless of the result. The Springboks lead on 93.09 points, with New Zealand second on 91.15 and Australia sixth on 85.55 points.

“A defeat would be New Zealand's first against any team since 1994 at Eden Park – the ground which midfielder Quinn Tupaea this week called their 'spiritual home'.”

The All Blacks hold a 53-match unbeaten run at Eden Park dating back to 1994, a world record for a venue. Australia has lost its last 24 trans-Tasman Tests at the ground and has not held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.

New Zealand is missing several key players through injury, including captain Ardie Savea, Ruben Love, Billy Proctor, Luke Jacobson, and Richie Mo'unga, who tore a calf on Tuesday. Beauden Barrett starts at full-back for his 150th appearance, while Codie Taylor captains the side.

Australia coach Les Kiss makes only one change to the team that beat South Africa, with rookie Isaac Henry replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami at centre. Len Ikitau shifts to inside centre after scoring two tries against the Springboks.