All Blacks Host Wallabies in 2026 Bledisloe Cup Opener at Eden Park

The New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test sees two longtime rivals clash in the opening match of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park in Auckland. While the historic rivalry spans nearly a century, the All Blacks have dominated for over two decades, holding the trophy since 2003. Having recently concluded the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa with a 3-1 loss, New Zealand aims to break a three-match losing streak at a venue where they last suffered a Test defeat in 1994.

This encounter holds special significance as it marks Beauden Barrett’s 150th appearance for the All Blacks, with the veteran fullback starting in his familiar role. Younger brother Scott Barrett makes his return to the squad for the first time since November 2025, joining third sibling Jordie Barrett in the centers. Codie Taylor leads the team as captain, though several key players including Ardie Savea will be absent due to injury.

New Zealand’s injury concerns provide Australia with renewed optimism, as the Wallabies seek their first victory at Eden Park since 1986. Buoyed by a convincing 42-38 win over South Africa in Perth—achieved despite finishing with just 11 players—the Australian side enters this test under head coach Les Kiss, who remains unbeaten after four wins and a draw since taking charge in the summer.

Kiss makes a single adjustment to his lineup following the Springbok victory, introducing rookie center Isaac Henry in place of the suspended Hunter Paisami. Len Ikitau shifts to inside center after crossing for two tries in the previous match, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii retains his wing position.

Below is a guide on how to watch the All Blacks vs Wallabies 1st Test from various global locations:

Free Streaming Options for the 2026 Bledisloe Cup Opener

Multiple broadcast platforms offer free access to the New Zealand vs Australia clash depending on your region:

United States: Viewers can stream the match live at no cost through Rugbypass TV and World Rugby’s official YouTube channel.

Australia: The game airs free-to-air on 9Now, requiring only a basic account registration to view.

New Zealand: Domestic audiences can catch the match on ThreeNow via tape delay starting at 8:30 PM NZST.

Global Access: Those outside these regions should consider using a VPN service such as NordVPN to bypass geographic restrictions and access local streams.

US Coverage Details

In the US, the 1st Test between New Zealand and Australia streams live and free on Rugbypass TV and World Rugby’s YouTube channel. The second Bledisloe Cup fixture at Sydney’s Accor Stadium next weekend will also be available on these platforms without charge.

For those outside the US, a VPN allows seamless access to home country broadcasts during travel.

UK Broadcast Information

In the UK, the New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test broadcasts live on Sky Sports Main Event.

Sky Sports packages begin at £22 per month for existing subscribers, rising to £35 for new customers. Alternatively, a NOW Sports membership provides access to Sky Sports channels covering both Bledisloe Cup fixtures.

Traveling outside the UK? NordVPN enables secure access to subscription services from abroad.

Australian Broadcast Details

The New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test streams free-to-air on 9Now in Australia, as previously noted. Additionally, Stan Sport offers live coverage of the All Blacks vs Wallabies matchup.

Stan Sport requires an additional AU$20/month subscription on top of Stan’s base plan (starting at AU$9.99/month), granting access to international rugby alongside Premier League and Champions League football. Use NordVPN to stream from overseas locations.

New Zealand Coverage Information

Fans in New Zealand can watch the New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test on Sky Sport NZ, with coverage on Sky Sport 1.

Sky Sport subscriptions include daily passes at NZ$29.99 or monthly plans at NZ$59.99. Free-to-air platform ThreeNow provides tape-delayed coverage from 8:30 PM NZST. International viewers can utilize NordVPN to access home streaming services.

South African Viewing Guide

The New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test airs live on SuperSport in South Africa. A DStv access package is required, with streaming options starting at R99/month.

Currently abroad? NordVPN restores access to domestic subscriptions seamlessly.

Canadian Broadcast Information

In Canada, the New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test broadcasts on Premier Sports. Subscription tiers include CA$29.99/month, CA$79.99 for six months, or CA$139.99 annually.

Use NordVPN to maintain access to Canadian broadcasts while traveling internationally.

Confirmed Team Lineups

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

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

Australia: 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 (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements: 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.

Kickoff Time and Time Zones

The New Zealand vs Australia Test kicks off Saturday, October 10 at 7:10 PM NZST in Auckland. Corresponding times across major regions: 5:10 PM AEDT, 8:10 AM SAST, 7:10 AM BST, and 2:10 AM ET (11:10 PM PT Friday, October 9).

Bledisloe Cup Historical Context

New Zealand maintains overwhelming dominance in the Bledisloe Cup, securing 51 series victories compared to Australia’s 12, with one draw recorded. The All Blacks have retained the trophy since 2003. Across 181 total meetings, New Zealand has won 128 matches, Australia 45, with eight draws.

Mobile Viewing Instructions

Most broadcasters provide mobile streaming through dedicated apps or responsive web browsers. Services like Sky Sports offer optimized applications for smartphones and tablets, ensuring convenient viewing anytime, anywhere.

Source link