Australia's preparations for the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand have been far from ideal, with round-the-world trips and late injuries disrupting their build-up. The Wallabies are aiming to end a 23-year Bledisloe Cup drought and snap New Zealand's 31-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost in 51 Tests.
Key players James O'Connor and Will Skelton were allowed to return to their clubs in England and France respectively, only to be recalled shortly after. O'Connor travelled 31,000km back to Australia within 48 hours and has been handed a starting role by coach Joe Schmidt, despite jetlag. Skelton will join the squad in Perth for the second Test but misses the opener.
Injuries have further complicated matters, with Rob Valetini and Andrew Kellaway ruled out due to calf problems. Schmidt has reshuffled the pack, moving Tom Hooper to blindside flank, pairing Nick Frost with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, and shifting Max Jorgensen to fullback. Corey Toole and Harry Potter start on the wings.
Despite the disruptions, Schmidt's side has shown resilience in recent months, with comeback victories over England, the British & Irish Lions, Fiji, South Africa and Argentina. The Wallabies currently lead the Rugby Championship but remain seventh in the world rankings.
Off the field, Rugby Australia is reportedly looking to bring back Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon from rugby league, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. For now, the focus is on Saturday's Test, where the Wallabies hope to emulate the 1986 side that last won at Eden Park.
