Australia vs New Zealand Prediction: Wallabies can stun All Blacks in Perth

Being edged out by New Zealand in Auckland in the Rugby Championship last weekend, Australia will be looking for revenge when they host the All Blacks on Saturday (10:45 BST, Sky Sports Mix) at Optus Stadium.

Below are my Australia vs New Zealand predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the Bledisloe Cup battle in Perth.

Team News

The Wallabies go with a front row of James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa, with locks Nick Frost and Will Skelton in behind.

Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson complete the pack, while Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed start in the half-backs.

Len Ikitau combines with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii once again in the centres for Australia, with the back three made up of Filipo Daugunu, Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen.

As for the visitors, New Zealand go with Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell in the front row.

Skipper Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland start in the second row, with Simon Parker, Ardie Savea and Peter Lakai in the back row.

Cam Roigard and Damian McKenzie are named in the half-backs, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea the centre partnership.

Leicester Fainga’anuku, Leroy Carter and Will Jordan start in the back three for the All Blacks.

Australia vs New Zealand Odds

Australia are 13/8 underdogs to claim the win on Saturday, while New Zealand are the 8/15 favourites for the victory in Perth.

A draw at Optus Stadium is 18/1, while the All Blacks to be leading at the half-time and the full-time whistle is currently 21/20.

Australia to win @ 8/5

Having only suffered a nine-point defeat in a 33-24 loss at fortress Eden Park last weekend, the Wallabies showed how competitive they can be at a ground where the All Blacks have not lost a Test match since 1994.

Joe Schmidt’s Australia have come on leaps and bounds since really discovering their true identity during the 2-1 series defeat at the hands of the British & Irish Lions over the summer.

Although losing that series, it’s one that could have gone either way, and some big names emerged during those three Test matches against Andy Farrell’s side.

What was also established was how Australia can play in the wet, and that might well hold the key for Saturday’s game at Optus Stadium.

Rain is expected on Friday all the way till next Tuesday in Perth, and a wet ball will be a guarantee in this game.

With the likes of giant lock Skelton able to do some of the hard yards and an emerging superstar in Suaalii in the backline, the Wallabies boast some big runners who can make dents in this New Zealand defence.

The All Blacks have already lost games in this Rugby Championship to Argentina and South Africa, so Saturday might well see Australia’s moment in the sun, even on a rainy Perth day.

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