u/Ruck_Off

The Sydney Morning Herald

Iain Payten - 9min read

This weekend the Wallabies will attempt to beat the All Blacks in Auckland for the first time in 40 years. The problem? New Zealand haven’t lost there, to anyone, since 1994.

After 40 years, the routine is familiar. A new Wallabies side arrives in Auckland and, with the renewed optimism of a blank scoreboard, bounces into Eden Park for a match-eve training session.

The captain will be asked about why Australia struggle to win at Eden Park. It’s just a footy field, the Wallabies skipper will reason. Even now-All Blacks coach Dave Rennie rolled the line out in 2020, when he was rocking in a gold tracksuit.

“But as soon as you start saying to yourself, ‘it’s another footy field’, it’s got you,” says retired All Blacks great John Kirwan. “Because it’s not.”

Eden Park should be just another footy field. While the Auckland venue has an exemption to be used as a phonebox-sized international cricket ground, it sits perfectly inside World Rugby regulations at 100 metres long and 70 metres wide.

It is a bog-standard grass rectangle.

But the All Blacks have - somehow - turned Eden Park into something far more imposing. That same grass rectangle is a pyschological fortress, inside which the New Zealand rugby team refuse to lose.

The All Blacks haven’t been beaten at Eden Park since 1994 - a run stretching to 53 Tests. And against Australia? The winning streak lasts longer, back to 1986, when the Wallabies last downed the Kiwis 22-9.

Some of those Wallabies are in their 70s, including captain Andrew Slack, who marks the passing of another year in life when journalists start ringing about the hoodoo. With incredible grace, Slack always calls back.

Since that win in 1986, 156 Wallabies players have tried and failed to get the job done against the All Blacks at the Auckland venue. Eales, Gregan, Horan, Larkham, Pocock, Slipper? Zero wins between them.

The All Blacks’ unbeaten run at Eden Park - which dates to France’s 23-20 win in 1994 - sits among the most incredible unbeaten streaks at home in the history of world sport (there were two draws in the 53-match run, against South Africa in 1994 and the Lions in 2017). The All Blacks have lost at other home venues, of course, but never at Eden Park; including winning the Rugby World Cup final in 2011.

The world record belongs to Serbian football team Red Star Belgrade, who were unbeaten at home in league games for an incredible 159 matches, between 2017 and 2025. They broke the previous record of 122 held by Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu between 1957 and 1965. Chelsea hold the English Premier League record of 84 games between 2004 to 2008.

In Australian sport, the NRL record is held by Penrith (21 wins between 2019 and 2022), and the AFL record is 29 games by Geelong, between 2008 and 2011. As far as duration, the Kangaroos were unbeaten in league Tests at Suncorp/Lang Park for 24 years between 1990 and 2014, but it covered 12 Tests.

So why can’t anyone beat the All Blacks at Eden Park?

The ground has been redeveloped several times in the past 40 years, meaning any secret home knowledge of wind, camber or other Eden Park agrostology would be mostly redundant.

“For me, it’s just that it is home, and you don’t lose at home,” Kirwan says. “You could say that right across sport, you go to Brookvale, that’s Manly’s home and it’s always harder to win there. You play Queenslanders home, it’s hard. For me as an Aucklander and then an All Black, it was home.

“I used to sit in my same seat, so I felt comfortable, I knew the park, I knew the wind, I knew the crowd, I knew everything about it.

“With the All Blacks, because they travel all the time now, playing there is coming home. It’s become a really strong record, and with each year that passes, that’s where it gets interesting. The record passed to the next players, and they’re probably more anxious about losing at Eden Park than they are winning the Bledisloe.

“It’s become its own legacy.”

One of the greatest All Black wingers in history, Kirwan won countless games at Eden Park, including the inaugural Rugby World Cup final in 1987. But sitting just underneath that high point in Kirwan’s memory bank is having been in the last All Black team to lose there, to Les Bleus in 1994. He was also in the last All Blacks team to lose to the Wallabies in 1986.

“And that was my last year as an All Black,” Kirwan says, referencing his code switch to the Warriors in 1995. “At the time, you don’t think about those things, but yeah, now you do.”

It’s a “spiritual home” but the magic of Eden Park has no discernible origin. The venue is on the border of the well-heeled suburbs of Mount Eden and Kingsland, three kilometres to the southwest of Auckland’s CBD.

Known as Ngā Ana Wai, the area was a wetland and a foodbowl area for local Maori people for hundreds of years. In 1903, a cricketer called Harry Ryan decided to build a rock-strewed cricket field on the site.

“It was called “Ryan’s Folly” because people couldn’t believe you’d build a cricket ground in a swamp,” Eden Park historian Graham Walton says. “But he persevered and it self-drained in the summer a bit. It was finally drained around 1925 when the council put a big drain through the centre.”

Rugby had started playing at Eden Park in 1914, and though it would stay prone to being a flooded mudpit, the All Blacks’ run of success at the field began in 1921. Eden Park hosted the Empire (Commonwealth) Games in 1950 as well.

Few know Eden Park better than Walton, who saw his first game there as a five-year-old in 1946. He has worked at the venue in various guises for 30 years, helped write a book on the site and, at the age of 85, still gives tours.

“My father first moved to the area in 1914, and between the two of us, we’ve seen all but four or five All Blacks Tests played at Eden Park,” he said.

Walton recalls all the Wallabies’ wins at the ground - all four of them - in 1949, 1955, 1978 and 1986.

“1949 was an appalling, waterlogged day and Australia won 16–9. That game featured Australian players like Nick Shehadie — who later became lord mayor of Sydney — Col Windon, Dave Brockhoff and even Rex Mossop,” he said.

A cricket lover, Walton’s favourite memory of the ground is Grant Elliott hitting a six off the second-last ball to win the 2015 World Cup semi-final, ahead of the 2011 World Cup final win over France, 8-7. He recalls hundreds of spectators not even able to physically watch in the last minutes of that game.

Walton has seen 80 years worth of games, but he can’t quite put his finger on why the All Blacks are so strong at Eden Park.

“Talking to All Blacks over the years, they feel a real connection with the crowd in the modern era,” he said. “It’s a bit like Suncorp Stadium, because spectators are close to the playing surface. It’s a bit airy-fairy to talk about atmosphere, but there is a significant atmosphere.“

The records indicate the Wallabies haven’t even had many close defeats, beyond a 6-3 loss in 1991. Mostly, however, they have actually been competitive but for a 10-minute lapse that concedes a try or two, which turns into 30 points as the Wallabies chase and get loose.

After a few years under Joe Schmidt, however, this Wallabies team is better at staying in the game. And new coach Les Kiss has even had a win at Eden Park; as a defence coach for Ireland at the 2011 World Cup - against the Wallabies.

(The Wallabies later beat Wales in the bronze medal game at Eden Park, too).

Kirwan says the pressure of playing at Eden Park is essentially all psychological - for both the visitors, and hosts.

“It’s largely between the ears (for visitors),” he said. “But the positive for us is the big pressure on us as well. This is not just another Bledisloe Cup.

“There’s the added pressure for you to prepare properly. As an All Black, you don’t want to be the first one to lose there.”

Kirwan recalls scoring one of the most famous tries seen in New Zealand, when he ran 80 metres and through half the Italian side, to score in the very first World Cup match in 1987.

“It’s been etched in history a bit, and I held my breath for 90 yards. I scored the try and I was actually dizzy,” Kirwan says.

“But I always remember when I was running back, I was thinking: ‘wow, I really love this place’.”

The Sydney Morning Herald

Iain Payten - 5min read

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said he is not using his abrupt sacking as Wallabies coach as motivational fuel as rival Les Kiss confirmed he was keeping aerial weapon Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing to help conjure a Bledisloe boilover.

The coaches have named their sides for the opening clash at Eden Park on Saturday, and while Rennie was left to deal with more injuries to key players – pivot Richie Mo’unga has been ruled out – Kiss had much better fortune with star Len Ikitau overcoming an ankle injury to line up at centre.

As revealed on Tuesday, Ikitau was named at No.12, replacing suspended hitman Hunter Paisami, and Reds centre Isaac Henry won a recall at outside-centre. The latter’s selection means Suaalii will be deployed on the wing again to use his leaping ability to contest kicks.

Rennie offered the Wallabies a potential target, too, by naming veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett at fullback and Damian McKenzie in the No.10. The All Blacks had already lost pivot Ruben Love to injury.

In other changes, the Wallabies recalled Massimo De Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny to the bench, replacing Taniela Tupou and Tom Hooper, who have both returned to their club sides.

The Wallabies haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, but on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak, and with New Zealand having lost their past three Tests against South Africa, Australia are being talked up in the Kiwi media as being in one of their strongest positions in years.

The backstory to this Bledisloe Cup series is unprecedented. Rennie will become the first man to serve as head coach for Australia and New Zealand. He coached the Wallabies for 34 Tests between 2020 and 2022, and is the last man to lead Australia to a win over the Kiwis, in 2020.

Rennie was sacked by Rugby Australia at the end of 2022 to make way for Eddie Jones. He went on to coach in Japan and took over as All Blacks coach earlier this year, but has barely spoken publicly about his contentious Wallabies exit in the past three years.

Asked on Thursday how he felt about his treatment by RA and he if he was motivated to beat the Wallabies based on it, Rennie continued to play a straight bat.

“It’s not about me,” he said. “I’ve got no regrets. I got to work with some really good people, people I have a lot of time for. It is a part of a game that we’re involved in.

“I enjoyed my time in Japan. I’ve loved coming back here and working with these guys. We’ve got great people, players and staff, and I’m enjoying that. So we’re highly motivated. But it’s not about me.”

Rennie was quick to praise the Wallabies, however, saying they will be a dangerous opponent at Eden Park on Saturday.

“I know a lot about the players, obviously,” he said. “There’s a big number of them started in 2020. And, you know, they’ve now played, well, you know, 50 or 60 or 70 Tests.

“So what we know is they’re a good side, they’re experienced and they’ve played a lot of footy together. We’re well aware of the strength of that team. They’ll come here confident. They’ve had a good run recently. And as you saw against that \[South\] African side, they’re pretty dominant for 70 minutes.”

Rennie said the belief gained from an unbeaten run under Kiss, and a last-start win over the Springboks in particular, would make them even more formidable.

“They’ve got a pretty good understanding too of how they’re trying to play,” he said. “And you’ve got some guys in there who are the best in the world, if not close to that. So, yeah, a lot more dangerous.

“But I think that’s good for us, too. You know, we’ve come out of South Africa, we’ve got a bit of a point to prove there and we’re up against a really worthy opponent. We know we’re going to have to be at our best.”

The Wallabies haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup in 24 years, and it is also 40 years since Australia beat the Kiwis at Eden Park.

Asked if there was more pressure to defend the Bledisloe Cup than try to win it back, Rennie said: “Probably, yeah.

“All sides who come here want to be seen to break the record, so they’ll be highly motivated. I think the Irish were the same when we spoke to them post-game. We’re well aware of what’s coming.

“We talk about it. No one wants to be part of the first team for a long time to lose at Eden Park or lose the Bledisloe. So you’ve got to reflect on that. But you can’t get stuck in there. We’ve discussed it, and then we use that as fuel.”

​

Every Bledisloe Cup series for the past two decades promotes a familiar theme. Is this the year? Can the Wallabies finally reclaim the coveted cup?

First things first, the Wallabies must defy history to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday before attempting to repeat a result that would stun the rugby world with victory in next week’s Sydney rematch.

It’s a tall order. But as late changes, influential defections, debatable selections and vulnerabilities engulf Dave Rennie’s All Blacks, there is genuine reason for the Wallabies to believe.

It’s 40 years since the Wallabies last won at Eden Park; 23 years since they last held the Bledisloe; five years since their last success in New Zealand.

Rennie was the last Wallabies coach to defeat the All Blacks. In the six years since, the All Blacks have notched 11 straight wins against their closest foe to leave the lingering expectation that the Bledisloe will forever hold New Zealand residence.

At this point, it deserves citizenship.

The backdrop to this week, though, paints a tense, nervous picture.

A seemingly revived Wallabies side riding a five-test unbeaten run under new coach Les Kiss flies in well under the radar for another shot at history.

The Wallabies aren’t at full strength. They’re missing prop Taniela Tupou and loose forward Tom Hooper, both of whom returned to their clubs abroad as this year’s Bledisloe tie falls outside the international window to accommodate Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, and midfielder Hunter Paisami through suspension, hurting their chances.

But so, too, are the All Blacks seriously wounded. Ruben Love, Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson and Caleb Clarke are major absences through injury. Fehi Fineanganofo, Anton Lienert-Brown and Patrick Tuipulotu are also missing.

Richie Mo’unga was named internally on Monday, only to suffer a calf injury at Tuesday training, ruling him out of the Bledisloe series before he’s reassessed for the end-of-year tour.

Mo’unga’s withdrawal forces a backline reshuffle, with Damian McKenzie grasping the playmaking reins for the first time this year and Beauden Barrett assuming his place at fullback after featuring in 15 minutes of the four previous tests against South Africa.

Rennie prefers McKenzie at fullback, but with Love and Mo’unga unavailable, it’s a case of needs must, with his experience favoured over rookie Josh Jacomb.

Barrett’s promotion further highlights the All Blacks’ most vulnerable area – their inability to defuse the high ball.

Alongside smaller wings Leroy Carter and Will Jordan, the Wallabies are certain to send Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i to challenge Barrett and the All Blacks backfield.

“They’ve got good men in the air,” Rennie said. “We had a strategy around it. If you include the scraps and the amount of clean ball in the air, we got around 50%, but South Africa were excellent in that department. We want teams to kick to us because we’ve got a mindset to play on that.

“The Wallabies play a lot more footy than South Africa, but they’ll play smart. Ryan Lonergan has a good kicking game and I’m sure they’ll use that to take pressure off others.”

Rennie underlined the widespread fine line calls by revealing he, forwards coach Neil Barnes and Graham Henry needed three selection meetings to settle on this week’s squad.

There’s no room for Fabian Holland, one of the All Blacks’ best in South Africa, and Tyrel Lomax has paid the price for the scrum issues with his omission from the squad.

Former captain Scott Barrett is immediately injected to start with Josh Lord after completing 92 minutes of rugby – two matches for Taranaki – since last November following back surgery.

“When we trained this morning you can see his influence, leadership and the connection as well,” Rennie said. “We’ve altered things a little bit there too, which should help.”

Fellow veteran Shannon Frizell will emerge off the bench for his first test in three years after returning from Japan, with Tupou Vaa’i continuing at blindside rather than lock.

Those selections speak to the demands for the All Blacks pack to vastly improve their set piece and physicality at the breakdown and in contact after being bullied at times in those departments by the Springboks.

“It’s probably the hardest side we’ve had to pick,” Rennie said. “There were a lot of tough decisions, and guys who missed out are very close.”

Three successive losses to the Springboks, the non-negotiable expectation for the All Blacks to retain the Bledisloe, defend fortress Eden Park and deliver notable improvements, significantly elevates the pressure valve.

This Wallabies side can upset the All Blacks – their one concern is whether their bench can match the All Blacks’ power in the form of Asafo Aumua and Frizell.

Rennie, having coached many of those in Kiss’ side during his three-year Wallabies tenure, knows the threats they pose.

“They’ll come here confident. They’ve had a good run recently. As you saw against that African side, they were pretty dominant for 70 minutes.

“All sides come here wanting to be the team to break the record. The Irish were the same when we spoke to them post-game, so we’re well aware of what’s coming.

“No one wants to be part of the first team for a long time to lose at Eden Park or lose the Bledisloe. You’ve got to reflect on that, but you can’t be stuck in there. We’ve discussed it, and then we use it as fuel.

“They’re dangerous, but that’s good for us, too. We’ve come out of South Africa. We’ve got a point to prove there and we’re up against a worthy opponent. We know we’re going to have to be at our best, so our expectation is that brings out the best in us.”

Three months into Rennie’s reign and the narrative shifts this week.

From outsiders against the world champions to overwhelming favourites against the Wallabies, a response is needed to protect a sacred ground and trophy.

As their stocks rise, hope and belief replace a sense of dread for the Wallabies.

The All Blacks must harness and channel nerves to prove they are not as vulnerable as some suspect.

It’s a familiar theme, maybe, but this could, indeed, be a Bledisloe battle for the ages.

All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor (c), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Josh Lord, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett.

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Rieko Ioane, 23. Josh Moorby.

Wallabies: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Jeremy Williams, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Isaac Henry, 14. Max Jorgensen, 15. Tom Wright.

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.

The New Zealand Herald

5min read

Ardie Savea has confirmed he will join the Blues for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.

The All Blacks captain confirmed the move on a YouTube livestream where he had teased fans by learning how to make coffee at one of Wellington-based coffee chain Swimsuit’s locations.

The 32-year-old also donned all the New Zealand-based Super Rugby club jerseys before announcing in a social media post captioned “last dance” that he would head to the Blues.

“First and foremost I honour Moana and their team no longer being in the competition, but the Blues have always been on my heart,” Savea said.

“I’ve always thought how awesome it would be to play there, and I’ve been really blessed with this opportunity.”

Savea said he was excited to return to Auckland and unite people with the team.

“In Auckland we represent so many ethnicities and cultures, so what a great chance to use rugby as a vehicle through how we act and make people feel.”

Blues chief executive Karl Budge said the All Blacks captain’s arrival strengthens the club on and off the field.

“We’re incredibly happy to have someone not only of his playing and leadership capability, but also, we’re pretty obsessed about how we win back the city, and he’s going to make a huge contribution on and off the field,” Budge said.

“He’s one of the most entertaining people I’ve ever met.”

Budge praised Savea’s personality and was keen to see him with the rest of the squad.

“We will be having plenty of fun together and it adds to a new chapter for the club and this region.”

Savea’s season with the Blues will be defined for him by more than success on the field.

“How I see the Blues is a team that wins on the field, but also wins off it,” the 32-year-old said.

“That’s by uniting our city through how we play, how we do things, and bringing laughter, joy and excitement.”

He also took time on his livestream to congratulate Semisi Ta’eiloa’s move to the Hurricanes, with the No 8 having earned a call-up to the All Blacks after his strong form with Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific last season.

Savea had been without a Super Rugby Pacific home since Moana Pasifika collapsed this year and left behind $8 million in debt.

All roads pointed to Savea staying in Auckland and switching allegiance to the Blues for next year’s campaign as he prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Since prematurely returning home from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa with a dislocated shoulder that ended his season, Savea teased an announcement on his Super future on his social media channels.

The Herald understood Savea had been negotiating with the Blues since early July, with the New Zealand Rugby component of his Super deal and the timing of the announcement delaying confirmation.

While other teams would savour Savea’s services, he was never going to land anywhere else.

Savea and his family enjoyed their time in Auckland while he played one superb campaign for Moana Pasifika in 2025 before skipping last season to cash in on a second sabbatical with Japanese club Kobe.

A return to Auckland next season in different colours will, therefore, be an easy transition.

Signing Savea is a coup for the Blues and new head coach Jason Holland.

On the field, once he recovers from his shoulder setback, Savea will inject notable impact while helping mentor the Blues’ stacked loose forward stocks, which include All Black Anton Segner and Malachi Wrampling, Torian Barnes and Che Clark.

Savea’s presence will also help offset the losses of long-serving loose forwards and former All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu, both of whom departed in July to offshore clubs.

In a competitive Auckland sporting market, with the New Zealand Warriors thriving and Auckland FC adding to the fight for fans, Savea’s star appeal will be a trump card for the Blues to leverage next year.

The New Zealand Herald

Liam Napier - 4 min read

Ardie Savea will officially join the Blues on Friday.

The All Blacks captain has been without a Super Rugby Pacific home since Moana Pasifika collapsed earlier this year and left behind $8 million in debt.

All roads pointed to Savea staying in Auckland and switching to the Blues for next year’s campaign as he builds towards the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

That outcome, rugby’s worst-kept secret, will be confirmed on Friday with confirmation of Savea’s one-season deal to join the Blues.

Since prematurely returning home from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa with a dislocated shoulder that ended his season, Savea has teased an announcement on his Super future on his social media channels.

The Herald understands Savea has been negotiating with the Blues since early July, with the New Zealand Rugby component of his Super deal and the timing of the announcement delaying confirmation.

While other teams would savour Savea’s services, he was never going to land anywhere else.

Savea and his family enjoyed their time in Auckland while he played one superb season for Moana Pasifika in 2025 before skipping last season to cash in on a second sabbatical with Japanese club Kobe.

A return to Auckland next season in different colours will, therefore, be an easy transition.

Signing Savea is a coup for the Blues and new head coach Jason Holland.

On the field, once he recovers from his shoulder setback, Savea will inject notable impact while helping mentor the Blues’ stacked loose forward stocks that include All Black Anton Segner and Malachi Wrampling, Torian Barnes and Che Clark.

Savea’s presence will also help offset the losses of long-serving loose forwards and former All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu, both of whom departed in July to offshore clubs.

In a highly competitive Auckland sporting market, with the New Zealand Warriors thriving and Auckland FC adding to the fight for fans, Savea’s genuine star appeal will be a trump card for the Blues to leverage next year.

All Blacks bolter Semisi Ta’eiloa will not, however, join Savea at the Blues.

Ta’eiloa played alongside Savea at Moana Pasifika and there were suggestions he could join the All Blacks skipper at the Blues next year.

After making two midweek All Blacks appearances against the Lions and Sharks in South Africa, Ta’eiloa is yet to commit to a Super Rugby team but the Crusaders and the Hurricanes are believed to be in a head-to-head battle to sign the powerful No 8.

The Crusaders are thought to have offered an initial wider training group contract, with the promise of graduating to their main squad in 2028.

​

A Super Rugby player and aspiring Wallaby has been charged with a string of domestic violence offences which allegedly occurred in Sydney’s northwest.

Joanne Vella

2 min read

Rugby Australia has temporarily suspended Trevor Hosea amid allegations of domestic violence in northwest Sydney.

The 26-year-old Western Force lock joined the Perth team in the Super Rugby Pacific competition recently after a stint in Japan.

In documents filed to Parramatta Local Court, police allege Hosea, from the southern Perth suburb of Leda, assaulted a woman at Bella Vista in The Hills between 3pm on August 17 and the early hours of August 18.

He has been charged with domestic violence-related common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching an apprehended domestic violence order.

He faces further charges after allegedly assaulting the same woman at Macquarie Park the following week.

Police allege he assaulted and intimidated her on August 24 between 2pm and 9pm.

He was charged with domestic violence-related common assault, stalking or intimidating intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm and contravening a prohibition or restriction in an apprehended domestic violence order.

His lawyer briefly mentioned Hosea’s case at court on Wednesday when he was excused from appearing because he was in Western Australia.

Hosea is also excused from appearing at his next court appearance in November if he is legally represented. His bail was continued.

In a statement, a Rugby Australia spokesman said Hosea had been temporarily suspended.

“Rugby Australia is aware that Western Force player Trevor Hosea has been charged with serious criminal offences,’’ the spokesman said.

“Under Rugby Australia’s professional player code of conduct, the player has been issued with a provisional suspension from all forms of rugby, which will remain in place until these matters are resolved by the court.

“Rugby Australia regards allegations of domestic and family violence with the utmost seriousness and will determine any further action following the outcome of the court proceedings.

“As these matters are now before the court, Rugby Australia will make no further comment at this time.’’

A Western Force spokesman said the club reported Hosea’s charges to Rugby Australia’s integrity unit upon learning about the charges.

“The club has and continues to co-operate fully with NSW Police,’’ the spokesman said.

“The Western Force condemns any instance of family and domestic violence.

“The safety and welfare of our people and the broader community are our highest priority.’’

Hosea was an aspiring Wallaby and was called into the squads in 2020 and 2021 but remains uncapped.

He earned 33 Super Rugby caps for the Melbourne Rebels between 2020 and 2022 and represented Australia with the under-20s in 2019.

He spent three seasons in Japan’s top tier with Tokyo Sungoliath and Mie Honda Heat.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Johnathan Drennan - 4min read

Wallabies coach Les Kiss could be forced to field an untested centre pairing in October’s Bledisloe Cup series after Hunter Paisami received a four-match suspension for his high tackle against South Africa last Sunday.

The Reds centre will appeal the decision at a SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee hearing on Wednesday night and, if unsuccessful, Jock Campbell will join the squad in his place.

The Wallabies will take on New Zealand on October 10 at Eden Park, hoping to end the All Blacks’ 53-game unbeaten run at the stadium. World Rugby’s regulations list sanctions of two matches for low-end dangerous tackles, six for mid-range offences and 10 or more for high-end offences.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, Paisami could serve some of his ban during October’s two-match Australia A tour.

Paisami received a yellow card in the 75th minute, becoming the fourth and final Wallaby sent to the sin bin by referee Andrea Piardi in the four-point win over South Africa in Perth.

Back-rower Toby Macpherson has been called into his first Wallabies squad after showing strong form in Super Rugby AUS for the ACT Brumbies. The 22-year-old played 13 Super Rugby games for the Brumbies last season after starting his professional career with a stint at Toyota Verblitz in Japan.

Len Ikitau has been named in the squad to face New Zealand despite hurting his ankle in Sunday’s Test. This masthead revealed there is cautious optimism the star centre could play some role in the Bledisloe Cup series after a scan on Ikitau’s ankle Monday eliminated fears of serious damage.

If Ikitau is not fit for the Eden Park Test, a potential centre partnership would be Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Isaac Henry, although the two players have never started a Test together.

Henry made his debut for the Wallabies against Japan in Osaka in August and has played for the Reds at inside and outside-centre.

Utility back Jordan Petaia has stayed in Australia to provide backline cover before joining his new club Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan. Petaia can play wing, centre and fullback.

Two of the other Wallabies’ overseas-based contingent, Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou, are unavailable as the Bledisloe Cup falls outside World Rugby’s regulation nine window, which requires clubs to release players for Test rugby. Massimo de Lutiis returns to the squad in Tupou’s place.

Second-rower Josh Canham is named in the squad after missing the South Africa Test due to a minor hamstring strain and is joined by Miles Amatosero, who was recalled to the squad after receiving a red card in his last Test for the Wallabies against Japan in Townsville. Nick Frost, a star of last year’s Lions series, has been named as injury cover.

The Wallabies have opted to continue with the playmaking trio of Ben Donaldson, Declan Meredith and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. Utility back Filipo Daugunu has been recalled to the squad after recovering from a minor knee injury.

Meanwhile, former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is managing a host of injuries in his squad. Hooker Codie Taylor will captain New Zealand against the Wallabies in the absence of Ardie Savea, who hurt his shoulder in the Test series against South Africa.

Ruben Love, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke (shoulder) and Ollie Norris are also unavailable for New Zealand due to injury. Former captain Scott Barrett has returned to the squad with back-rower Shannon Frizell. Frizzell last played for the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final loss to South Africa.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Iain Payten - 4 min read

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has pulled the trigger on a positional change for highly paid star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and shifted him to the wing to meet the Springboks in Perth on Sunday.

For the first time since Suaalii switched to rugby in late 2024, the 23-year-old will start a Test in a spot other than outside centre; the role he has played in 22 of his 24 Tests.

Suaalii’s only time on the wing for the Wallabies came mid-game against Japan in Osaka last month, and he has only played centre or fullback for the Waratahs.

The move will see Hunter Paisami start at No.12 and Len Ikitau return to No.13, the position he played before Suaalii’s arrival. Ikitau proved outstanding as an inside centre and won the John Eales medal in 2025, awarded to the top player of the Australian season. But debate has still raged about Suaalii’s best position.

The aerial athleticism of Suaalii is a big factor in Kiss’ decision, given the Springboks use contested kicking heavily as a tactic to win possession and establish a foothold in their rivals’ territory.

The Boks’ wingers are strong in the air, but Suaalii’s capacity to win high kick contests will be a strong counter.

Paisami’s excellent form against Japan and Argentina, while Ikitau was injured, has impressed Kiss and played a big part in the decision to try a new combination.

Ben Donaldson is set to retain his spot at No.10, with Carter Gordon out with a broken leg.

The Wallabies are set to go with a 6-2 bench to counter the Springboks’ bomb squad among their reserves, which Boks coach Rassie Erasmus named on Tuesday night. Tom Hooper is set to return on the bench.

Erasmus has named a heavily rotated team to face the Wallabies, with only winger Ethan Hooker and second-rower Eben Etzebeth retained as starters from the team that defeated New Zealand in Baltimore in the final Test of the four-match series.

South Africa have also named an experienced bench, including hooker Malcolm Marx and loosehead prop Ox Nche, to offset an inexperienced Test front row of Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Captain Siya Kolisi drops out of the squad.

“Sometimes you have to roll the dice,” Erasmus said. “We rolled the dice a little bit against the All Blacks with playing consistently [with] the same team and obviously getting some momentum as it goes on longer, but if we keep on doing that, how would we know when we get to the Nations Championship at the end of the year or at the World Cup next year, what can the next guy do?

“I can tell you that they’re really hungry [the starters], they really want to play, and they’ve been idling for a hell of a long time. We know they’ll be up for this match [the Wallabies], licking their lips and trying to sink their teeth into us and finding a good foothold here.”

The Wallabies name their team on Friday.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Iain Payten - 5 min read

Veteran Springboks centre Jesse Kriel says Wallabies rival Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is one of the best athletes he has encountered and doesn’t get the credit he deserves as a world-class centre.

Kriel, a two-time World Cup winner for South Africa, offered effusive praise for Suaalii as he and Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus both welcomed the prospect of the Perth Bears – and the NRL in general –  recruiting rugby talent from South Africa.

“If there’s an opportunity for a guy that isn’t getting game time in South Africa or potentially wants to try something different, I think that’s awesome,” Kriel said.

Kriel is one of a number of league fans among the Springboks, and enjoyed spending time with Kangaroos players when the teams shared a hotel in London last year.

Since debuting for the Boks against the Wallabies in 2015, the powerhouse Kriel has been touted as a player who would make a good NRL recruit, including as recently as June by Andrew Johns in his Herald column.

On his way to winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, Kriel never thought seriously about switch codes, and says he’s now too old. But he is a big admirer of a man who did make the jump: Suaalii.

The pair faced off twice in the Wallabies’ two-Test tour of South Africa last year, in which Suaalli scored a try in Australia’s drought-breaking 38-22 win at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Kriel then captained the Boks to a narrow 30-22 win over Australia the following week in Cape Town.

The 32-year-old is surprised about the level of debate in Australia around Suaalii’s performances in gold, and whether centre is his best position.

“Firstly you’ve got to understand how hard it is to come from a different code or different league of game,” Kriel said. “Secondly, I think he’s been incredible for the Wallabies. I don’t think he’s got the credit he deserves.

“He’s probably one of the best athletes I’ve seen. His vertical jump and what he does. His ability to move on the ball and the speed in which he does. Also defensively, how great he’s been.

“You know that No.13 is probably one of the most difficult positions on the field to defend at. And he’s made it look easy. I don’t think the Australian media has given him the credit he deserves.”

“He’s been incredible and definitely up there as one of the centres that I find it really hard to play against. I’d see him in the centres. He’s been great there.

“But whether he plays at centre, wing or full-back, he’s a real asset to the Australian team.”

Kriel and other Springboks attended the Kangaroos’ win over England at Wembley last year.

“I love that sport, and so do a lot of the boys,” he said. “It’s definitely a sport I’ve learnt a lot from: defensively, the amount of work they get through, the fitness levels.”

Speaking at their Central Coast camp, ahead of a clash with the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday, Kriel and Erasmus admitted they weren’t aware that the Bears had hired former Wallaby David Campese to scout for players in South Africa. And nor were they aware the NRL had, more broadly, identified their country’s deep rugby ranks as a potential talent pool to help populate teams post-expansion.

But neither had any issues with the prospect of South African rugby players getting a chance to play in the NRL.

“You’ve got so many good rugby players in South Africa, and not everyone can get a start,” Kriel said. “Any South African that gets presented with an opportunity like that, I think they’ll jump at it with both hands.”

With South Africa on track to make history and win a third straight Rugby World Cup next year in Australia, the Boks are revered in the country.

Erasmus therefore isn’t worried about the prospect of any of the top tier of rugby players being wooed by the Bears or other NRL sides, but he echoed Kriel is saying he is supportive for any South African athlete with a chance to play high-level sport.

“For a young player to get any opportunity to play sport at a professional level and maybe move abroad, that’s an amazing thing, and it’s a chance for them to perhaps have a better life,” Erasmus said. “That’s only ever a good thing.”