The Bledisloe Cup is over for another year as the All Blacks thrashed the Wallabies 43-5 in Sydney. So can the Aussies regain some pride in the dead rubber this Saturday night? As usual, we have a full preview and betting tips for Game 4 in the Bledisloe Cup below.
Australia vs New Zealand
Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm Saturday
The All Blacks simply cruised to victory last Saturday night at ANZ Stadium as they continued their excellent record at the venue. After just 29 minutes, the All Blacks had 4 tries on the board and also scored two late tries in the 43-5 blowout result. Richie Mo'unga was the main destroyer with a first-half double and came very close to a hat-trick. Even Karl Tu'inukuafe and Dane Coles found the try-line! So with the series wrapped up, the All Blacks will come into Game 4 with 8 team changes. A few of their changes will see Jordie Barrett back at fullback and Beauden will play fly-half. Sevu Reece is back in the starting lineup for the rested Caleb Clarke. TJ Perenara will also get the start for Aaron Smith.
There are not many positives to write home about after a 43-5 test match defeat so the Wallabies will need to show something in Game 4. That starts with limiting any simple mistakes and getting their defence in order. However, the good news is they do have a good record at Suncorp and should be confident. They’ll also be looking towards a likely winnable game against Argentina in a few weeks. Similarly to the All Blacks, Dave Rennie has made a few team changes as well. At fly-half, Reece Hodge will get his shot in the starting lineup for Lolesio. Daugunu has been dropped to the bench (likely because of this awful yellow card last week) and Tom Wright will come in. While in the centres, Hunter Paisami will take Irae Simone’s spot.
The Stats
Suncorp Stadium has produced plenty of close test matches between these two sides so based on history, the Wallabies should be confident of a rebounding performance. In 2017, they beat the All Blacks at this venue 23-18 and have won 2 of the last 4 in Brisbane (1 draw in 2012). In the last 2 games of this series, the All Blacks have outscored the Wallabies by a total of 70-12. After missing 42 tackles in Game 3, Australia showed fairly better signs with 17 missed tackles in Game 4.
Verdict
There’s no doubt the Wallabies were awful in Sydney but we have to remember that they are a young team against a fairly settled All Blacks team. But we’re quietly confident of Australia producing a close result in Game 4. As mentioned, they have a nice record at Suncorp against the All Blacks and should enjoy less pressure in a dead-rubber test match. The All Blacks have also made plenty of team changes which will hopefully work into the Aussies favour.
