Full Breakdown
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The first Bledisloe Cup Test between New Zealand and Australia is scheduled for October 10, 2026 at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand’s All Blacks are defending champions, having retained the cup for 23 consecutive years. Australia’s Wallabies aim to end a 40-year win-less streak at the venue – their last victory there came in 1986.
Background & Context
The Wallabies entered the series on a six-match unbeaten run, highlighted by a 42-38 win over the Springboks in Perth. Their recent form contrasts with the All Blacks’ three-match loss to South Africa earlier in the season, raising speculation that the rivalry could be tighter than in recent years.
Key Figures & Groups
- Les Kiss – Wallabies head coach.
- Dave Rennie – All Blacks head coach, former Wallabies coach (2020-22).
- Harry Wilson – Wallabies captain, centre.
- Isaac Henry – Queensland Reds centre, recalled to start.
- Damian McKenzie – All Blacks fly-half after injuries to Ruben Love and Richie Mo’unga.
- Beauden Barrett – veteran All Blacks fullback.
Timeline
- October 8, 2026 – Wallabies announce selections, confirming Henry at centre and retaining wing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
- October 10, 2026 – First Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park (scheduled).
- October 17, 2026 – Second Test at Accor Stadium, Sydney.
Data & Statistics
- All Blacks unbeaten at Eden Park: 53 Tests (1994-present).
- Wallabies consecutive losses at Eden Park: 24 (last win 1986).
- Reported scorelines from some outlets: 50-19 to New Zealand, with seven tries (Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan) and a late try by Josh Nasser for Australia.
- Wallabies recent record: six-match unbeaten streak entering the series (ABC, Nine).
Official Statements & Responses
- Dave Rennie emphasized the psychological weight of Eden Park, stating “No-one wants to be part of the first team for a long time to lose at Eden Park or lose the Bledisloe.” He noted injuries forced a reshuffle, moving McKenzie to fly-half and reinstating Barrett at fullback.
- Wallabies captain Harry Wilson reflected on his past under Rennie, saying “I really enjoyed playing under Dave” and that he “appreciates” the experience he gained.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game,” — Les Kiss.
- “There aren't many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it's one we're excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game,” — Les Kiss.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources diverge on whether the match has already been played. The Guardian, Nine, and ABC provide detailed post-match accounts, including a 50-19 final score and try details. By contrast, the date ledger lists October 10, 2026 as a scheduled event, and the BBC preview describes the match as forthcoming. No source offers a definitive, independently verified result, leaving the actual outcome unconfirmed at the time of writing.
What’s Next
The series will conclude with the second Test on October 17, 2026 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. Both coaches have indicated that squad adjustments will be made based on injuries and the first-match performance, but specific line-ups have not yet been announced.