In a whirl of two contrasting team namings, the balance of power in this week’s Bledisoe decider shifted assuredly in the All Blacks’ favour.
Early in the day Steve Hansen unveiled an All Blacks starting XV featuring just three changes from the one that rolled 27-19 in Sydney last week, but really only one Victor Vito at No 6 – that featured any selectorial whim.
It was a lineup very much about continuity, faith and the chance to redress the issues of seven days earlier.
Then came Michael Cheika’s Wallabies lineup. He made six changes all told and has picked
A group that made a seriously impressive statement at the Olympic Stadium as they won the Rugby Championship, and put one hand on a Bledisloe Cup they haven’t held since the giddy days of 2002.
