Australia vs. New Zealand: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and 2015 TRC Preview
It’s always a special occasion when the green and gold of Australia come up against the synonymous black strip of New Zealand in any sport. But in rugby union, at one of Australia’s most iconic stadiums, in a deciding Rugby Championship match, it doesn’t come much bigger than this for those Down Under.
The two sides are unbeaten in the four-team tournament after securing confident wins over South Africa and Argentina. It means it’s a case of winner takes all on Saturday at the ANZ Stadium, so expect a special atmosphere to be conjured by the Sydney crowd.
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This Bledisloe Cup fixture will be the first of two tests played by these eternal rivals—the second, in Eden Park on August 15, will not be part of TRC—before the World Cup. Here’s all the information you need on where to catch what is always a spectacular sporting occasion.
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 8:05 p.m. (Local), 11:05 a.m. (BST), 6:05 a.m. (ET)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)
TV Info: Sky Sports (UK)
Championship on the Line for Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand may boast an edge when these two teams meet, but there are plenty who feel as though Australia have the talent at their disposal to spring a surprise in Sydney.
After all, already in this tournament Michael Cheika’s side have played some enterprising rugby. They rallied late on to overhaul South Africa 24-20 thanks to a dramatic Tevita Kuridrani try after the buzzer, and the Wallabies backed up that display with a comprehensive 34-9 victory over Argentina in Mendoza.
As is evident here courtesy of the ANZ Stadium’s official Twitter feed, Australia are going to have a raucous backing from their supporters too:
New Zealand are a formidable team, though. The All Blacks have been moving steadily through the gears in this tournament with their 27-20 win over South Africa in Johannesburg extremely impressive. Psychologically, you wonder whether the Aussies have what it takes to beat the All Blacks; the Wallabies' last win over their great rivals came four years ago.
The previous fixture between the two was a thriller, with the All Blacks winning the match in the most remarkable way possible:
It’s little surprise that New Zealand No. 10 Dan Carter is very much looking forward to this one, per the team’s official Twitter account:
If Australia are going to pull off an overdue win against the All Blacks they will have to do so without impressive lock Rob Simmons, who has a wrist injury. But with ex-captain James Horwill ready to step in and take over, Cheika may not have to worry too much about the Queensland Reds star being absent, per John Downs of the MailOnline.
The All Blacks will continue to be without Cory Jane because of injury, while Ma’a Nonu remains a major doubt for the match because of heavy bruising. “We're not going to risk him if he's not right,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, per the team’s official website.
But running the rule over the two squads, we’re still set to be treated to a thrilling finale to this engrossing tournament. Factor in that this game is the first leg of the Bledisloe Cup and how vital it’ll be in preparation for the Rugby World Cup, abd the match has the potential to be one of the most enthralling ties of the year. If it’s half as good as the previous meeting, then rugby fans around the globe are in for a treat.
That last-gasp win for the All Blacks last year is sure to have a detrimental effect on Australia’s chances. Granted, they’ll be backed by a fanatical Sydney crowd, but New Zealand’s class with the ball in hand, power up front and skill at the breakdown will see the visitors take another narrow win.
Prediction: Australia 21-24 New Zealand
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