All Blacks v Wallabies - Bledisloe I
Kick-off: 5:05pm Saturday 27 September NZT
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
The numbers don't lie for the All Blacks this weekend at Eden Park. While much has been made this year about the 51 tests and 31 years it's been since they last lost there, the number 20 is on the minds more. Specifically, the last 20, which is where everything fell apart against the Springboks at Sky Stadium a fortnight ago.
Scott Robertson has been given a boost with the return of some key players for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies, and while most of the focus has been on Cam Roigard, an addition to the bench is what might turn around their late game woes.
"We've actually got a bench that's got some experience. And you know Patrick (Tuipulotu)'s a chief in our group and he's some impact player," said Robertson regarding the return of the lock.
Patrick Tuipulotu Photo: ActionPress
It's no secret that the more experience you have on your bench, the more effective it is, so the inclusion of Blues skipper Tuipulotu feels like a big step in the right direction. Robertson rightfully pointed out that they now only have one replacement player with less than 10 caps in Peter Lakai, and Tuipulotu's vast experience likely to come in handy.
"As a bench player you don't just sit there and watch the game," he said.
"You're still analysing and seeing where you can have impact. I guess for me, playing physical is something I love, so coming on and finding ways to do that is key, there's certainly moments where impact is needed."
Arguably Tuipulotu's best test appearance last season was his shift off the bench against England at Twickenham, which involved a huge workrate that helped the All Blacks to a narrow victory.
Cortez Ratima Photo: ActionPress
Cortez Ratima will join Tuipulotu on the bench, with Robertson saying that the All Blacks' gameplan wouldn't change a great deal despite having their two first choice halfbacks back.
"We'll still keep the same structure, but with their individual skill sets, obviously Cam's a great running nine and backs himself a lot. So if he sees it, he'll go and play it. Cortez, he's a couple years into his All Black career and he's great off the bench. So he'll be able to pick that tempo up."
Meanwhile, Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt said that the All Blacks are "on the cusp of breaking things open".
"I know a lot of people will focus on the last time they played, but 60 minutes in ... we were all thinking the game's in the balance," he said regarding the All Blacks' 43-10 loss to the Springboks.
"Unfortunately what can happen is the game can get away from you a little bit, maybe you try a little too hard or you try a risk that you otherwise wouldn't do ... South Africa did it to us, just at the other end of the game. Those first 18 minutes at Ellis Park, we were 22-0 down and wondering how to stop this green wave. So I know how quickly they can damage you. "
Team lists
All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Tate McDermott,10. James O'Connor, 11. Corey Toole, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Max Jorgensen
Bench: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Filipo Daugunu
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