Australia vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship build-up and updates as Wallabies host All Blacks

It’s been more than 20 years since the Wallabies last won the Bledisloe Cup, Eddie Jones was coach in 2002 when Australia won the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the fifth straight year. A win for the All Blacks today would keep it in their hands with next week’s meeting in Dunedin before more attention turns to World Cup preparation.

“I probably get that question every year,” Australian base James Slipper said in Melbourne on Friday when asked if it was now time to end the drought.

“My first game was actually here in Melbourne against the All Blacks [in 2010]. I was asked that question at the time. It’s one of those things that we just have to understand that it’s part of our history.

“We’re trying to build something. In terms of staff and coaches, there are new players in the squad.

“We’ve got a new five-eighth, he’ll show us around, he’s young, he’s from Melbourne. So there is a different landscape for us.

“But when I say I’m not going to stand here and say we’re the finished product, I want to say one thing: We’re going to work damn hard to be.”

While Australia still have a lot to unravel before heading to France in early September, there is a real sense that the All Blacks are getting back on their feet as the first-half performance against South Africa is arguably the best that New Zealand has this season Season has spawned World Cup cycle. Ian Foster’s consolidated combinations are getting a chance to come through again – if the backline works out like it did in Auckland, it could be a tough evening for the Wallabies.

Foster seems to have solved some problem positions this summer: Shannon Frizell is thriving on the blindside and Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax are growing solid, safe and strong as a support pair.

It wasn’t the start Eddie Jones would have wished for on his second stint as Australia manager. The Wallabies were much better in Sydney against Argentina than in the first round in South Africa, but still suffered back-to-back defeats. The All Blacks will appreciate their chances to exploit a defensive system still on the rise under the leadership of inexperienced rugby league newcomer Brett Hodgson, but two weeks of preparation should have helped the hosts build a little cohesion.

The All Blacks’ line-up requires little tinkering as Ian Foster appears to have adjusted to his best team with just the one change in the starting XI that blew South Africa in the first quarter two weeks ago. The move is forced, with Sam Cane out with a neck injury, leaving Dalton Papali’i in the open cross and Ardie Savea captaining.

Behind the scrum it’s the same for Foster, all the playmakers back in action, while old and new faces catch the eye on the bench: the fit Sam Whitelock will win the 144 international if he comes on; Scrum-half Cam Roigard, a standout player for the Hurricanes this year, will get his first spot when he’s introduced.

New Zealand XV: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax; Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett; Shannon Frizell, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea (Captain); Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga; Mark Telea, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan; Beauden Barrett.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Luke Jacobson; Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Eddie Jones continues to rummage through his backpack as he tries to spontaneously figure out which Wallabies team is his first pick. Two losses in his first two games in charge prompt a rethink at centre-backs, with Tate McDermott and restarter Carter Gordon succeeding Nic White and Quade Cooper. A midfield consisting of Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia should provide plenty of attacking danger.

At the top, Angus Bell is hoping to put a difficult injury-hit year behind him by moving into the starting XI, while in the absence of Michael Hooper, preference is given to namesake Tom on the open side, whose height and springiness are preferred over Fraser McReight Ability over the ball. With M. Hooper’s co-captain James Slipper on the bench, Allan Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies.

Australia XV: Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa (Captain); Nick Frost, Will Skelton; Jed Holloway, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini; Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon; Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase; Andrew Kelaway.

Substitutes: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota; Nic White, Quade Cooper, and Izaia Perese.

Yes it’s going to Melbourne as we begin the final weekend of this abridged rugby championship. The All Blacks are hoping to retain the title and compound Eddie Jones’ troubles in this first Bledisloe Cup game of the year. The Wallabies are back at the MCG for the first time since 2007. More than 80,000 spectators are expected in this spacious cricket cathedral.

When will Australia vs New Zealand take place?

The game begins on Saturday 29th July at 10:45am BST.

Viewers in the UK can watch the Rugby Championship match live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage from 10:45am BST. Subscribers can stream the game live via the Sky Go app.

New Zealand secure their third straight rugby championship title with a win over rivals Australia in Melbourne.

After a comfortable win at Argentina and a 35-20 win over South Africa, the All Blacks are in impressive form ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Australia haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup in 20 years, but the shock defeat by Argentina two weeks ago showed the magnitude of the recovery task Eddie Jones faces.

Now New Zealand have a chance to make another mark ahead of the World Cup season as the All Blacks look to continue their winning streak.

Follow live updates from Australia v New Zealand in the Rugby Championship finals on today’s live blog