Wallabies expect fast-paced All Blacks in Bledisloe opener

Australian captain Harry Wilson said on Friday he expects New Zealand to unleash high speed rugby under Wallabies-turned-All Blacks coach Dave Rennie in the first Bledisloe Cup Test.

The match in Auckland on Saturday will be Rennie’s first coaching against his former team since being abruptly shown the door by Australian Rugby in 2023, to make way for Eddie Jones’ return as head coach.

Wilson is one of six players in this week’s starting side who made their Wallabies debut during New Zealander Rennie’s three-year reign.

He said the visitors are familiar with the Rennie coaching template and will need to adapt to a faster style of game than that offered by the Springboks, who they upset two weeks ago in Perth.

“With South Africa we know it’s a lot of set-piece high balls, and they don’t play as much footy as New Zealand,” Wilson said.

“Whereas I guess this week we know there’s probably going to be a lot of long phases and the ball going side to side, and we’ve prepared for that.

“Dave gave me my Test debut and played a few Tests under him and I’ll always be really appreciative of that and his love of counter-attack and using the ball.

“He was a very loved member of the Wallabies, and it’s going to be different going up against him, that’s for sure.”

New Zealand’s expansive style came up short during their recent 3-1 series loss away to South Africa.

However, they return this week to Eden Park, where they’ve not lost to Australia in 40 years and not to any side since 1994.

Wilson said his side are better now than in last year’s fighting 33-24 defeat at the same venue, and have made further strides in the last two months under new coach Les Kiss.

Wilson was most heartened by how they clung on to beat South Africa 42-38 last month, defending their line with 11 men when he was among four players shown yellow cards over the closing stages.

“I think we learnt a lot in that game and especially that last 10-12 minutes,” he said.

“The care the boys showed to really make South Africa fight for every single try was something I was really proud of, and it’s given us a lot of confidence.

“We’re a team who’s hungry and just wants to be better, and it’s a great opportunity for us tomorrow night.”

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