As the official Wallabies name team announcement lands for the 2026 Bledisloe Cup opener, Head Coach Les Kiss has made just one change to his starting lineup. Australia faces the All Blacks this Saturday at Eden Park in a high-stakes encounter. Isaac Henry comes into the midfield to replace the suspended Hunter Paisami.
The rest of the run-on squad remains unchanged from the team that claimed a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Springboks in Perth. When the Wallabies name team details were finalized, Len Ikitau cleared a crucial fitness test on his ankle to shift to second five-eighth, pairing with Henry in the midfield.
Wallabies Name Team with Single Change in Midfield
In the backline, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii retains his spot on the left wing after an impressive starting performance against South Africa. Max Jorgensen lines up on the right wing, while Tom Wright provides experienced coverage at fullback. Halves duo Ryan Lonergan and Ben Donaldson continue their partnership in the key playmaker roles.
“Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation,” stated Head Coach Les Kiss, who remains unbeaten in five Tests since taking charge.
In the forward pack, Harry Wilson captains the side from No. 8 alongside destructive flankers Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight. Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa earns his 95th Test cap, anchoring a formidable front row with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Angus Bell.
Bench Strategy as Wallabies Name Team for Eden Park
Bench dynamics shift to a five-three split for this fixture. Massimo De Lutiis returns to front-row cover alongside Josh Nasser and Aidan Ross. Meanwhile, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, and Harry Potter stand ready as dynamic backline reserves.
Australia faces a historic challenge at Eden Park. The Wallabies have not won at the venue since 1986, while the All Blacks remain undefeated in their last 53 Tests at the ground. Additionally, New Zealand has continuously held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.
Rugby fans following current match dates can view our full 2026 match schedule page. Ticketing details for international fixtures are available on our rugby ticket information page. To explore statistical records between trans-Tasman rivals, check our breakdown of the head-to-head records breakdown.
Match Summary & Matchday Squad
Wallabies Starting XV:
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 (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.
Reserves:
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.
Fixture Details:
Match: All Blacks v Wallabies (1st Test)
Date & Time: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 7:10 PM NZT
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Broadcaster: Live on Sky Sport NZ
For more official team coverage, visit the official All Blacks news portal.