All Blacks' Bomb Squad to extend record run after finding an answer to Wallabies' strength
The All Blacks and the Wallabies are facing significant injury challenges ahead of their second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney. Despite New Zealand's long-standing dominance in the fixture, both teams are struggling with squad depth as they look toward future international competitions.
Why it matters
The match highlights the physical toll of professional rugby and the strategic adjustments coaches must make to maintain competitiveness.
Damian McKenzie and Declan Meredith face off at 10 in Sydney.
Both sides have been hit hard by injury since Eden Park, Australia at fly-half and centre and New Zealand at fly-half and on the wing, and Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium will go to whoever copes with it better.
Dave Rennie coached the Wallabies for three seasons and knows exactly how that changing room feels this week, which is why his line on Thursday, that Australia are a proud side who’ll be hurting after Eden Park, was said with some feeling. He brings his All Blacks to Sydney with the Bledisloe Cup retained for a 24th straight year, 12 wins on the bounce in the fixture and a casualty list that would test any squad.
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