The All Blacks are bracing for the firepower of one of the Wallabies’ most potent attacking weapons when the two sides collide at Eden Park on Saturday.
Joseph Suaalii will make his first appearance in Wallabies gold on New Zealand soil, and the 22-year-old has already turned heads with his impact since switching codes.
His form has injected rare optimism into Australian rugby, with their backline gaining confidence every week.
All Blacks scrumhalf Cam Roigard admitted that the Wallabies’ revival is no fluke.
“We’ve seen from the start of the international campaign that they’ve grown a lot in confidence as a backline,” he told reporters in Auckland.
“Joseph Suaalii’s getting better each week, which was always expected. They’re battle-hardened, and regardless of history, they’ll come here thinking they’ve got a genuine chance to win.”
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Roigard also highlighted the influence of veteran playmaker James O’Connor.
“He’s been instrumental for them since he’s come in with that fearless mindset.”
The Wallabies haven’t lifted the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, but their return to form – including a spirited Lions series – has stirred belief that the drought could finally end.
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Meanwhile, the All Blacks face a selection logjam in the outside backs, with Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke and others jostling for spots.
Roigard, however, is simply hoping he can be the link man to unleash whoever gets the nod.
“We’ve got great athletes all across the park, and being able to use them when necessary and playing smart at the same time is massive for us.”
TEST WEEK.
NEXT UP
All Blacks
Saturday September 27 | 3:00pm AEST
Eden Park, Auckland
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— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 23, 2025
Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images
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