New Zealand host Australia in the opening Test of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup series at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday and we take a look at the game from a betting angle.
The All Blacks will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing series loss against South Africa, while the Wallabies arrive in New Zealand unbeaten in their last six Tests.
New Zealand v Australia
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 08:10 South African time
New Zealand
New Zealand head into the opening Bledisloe Cup Test having lost their last three matches.
The All Blacks won the first Test of their four-match series against South Africa 33-16 but lost the remaining matches 33-26, 29-24 and 43-28.
Eden Park provides New Zealand with the ideal venue at which to attempt to return to winning ways. The All Blacks have not lost a Test at the ground since France beat them in 1994 and have won 30 of their previous 34 meetings with Australia at the venue.
Codie Taylor captains the team in the absence of Ardie Savea, while Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell return to strengthen the pack.
Damian McKenzie starts at flyhalf after Richie Mo’unga was ruled out following an injury at training. Beauden Barrett is selected at fullback, with Will Jordan and Leroy Carter completing the back three.
Australia
Australia arrive in Auckland unbeaten in six Tests under Les Kiss.
That run includes three victories over Japan, a 28-28 draw against Argentina and an impressive 42-38 victory over South Africa in Perth.
The Wallabies led the Springboks 42-17 before surviving a late comeback, and that performance should give them confidence heading into one of the most difficult assignments in international rugby.
Australia’s recent record against New Zealand is poor, with the All Blacks having won the last 11 Tests between the sides. The Wallabies’ most recent victory came in 2020, while they have not beaten New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986.
Isaac Henry replaces the suspended Hunter Paisami at outside centre, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains on the wing. Ryan Lonergan and Ben Donaldson continue as the halfback combination.
Team News
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Josh Lord, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Josh Moorby.
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Harry Potter.
New Zealand v Australia Betting – click here to bet
Match Winner
New Zealand – 1.21
Draw – 34.00
Australia – 5.25
Handicap
New Zealand -12.5 – 1.91
Australia +12.5 – 1.91
New Zealand v Australia Betting Tips
New Zealand’s outstanding Eden Park record and their recent dominance of the Wallabies explain why they are strong favourites.
However, the All Blacks have lost three consecutive Tests and are without the influential Savea, while Mo’unga’s withdrawal is another setback.
Australia are playing with confidence and have shown that they possess enough attacking quality to trouble leading opposition. The Wallabies may struggle to end their long wait for a victory at Eden Park, but their current form suggests they can remain competitive and stay within the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Australia +12.5 at 1.91
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