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Dylan James

What time is Australia v New Zealand on TV and why is it on a Thursday?

The Bledisloe Cup kicks off the penultimate round of a hugely enthralling Rugby Championship campaign on Thursday, as visitors New Zealand look to cement their place at the top of the table.

With four games played, just one point separates all four teams. The tournament has more than supplied the drama, both on and off the pitch.

Here's what you need to know about the match which is being played midweek.

READ MORE: Rejected Welsh rugby talent heads to US to become American football player and TikTok hit

What time is Australia v New Zealand kick-off?

Australia v New Zealand kicks off at 10:45am UK time on Thursday morning at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Why is Australia v New Zealand on a Thursday?

The reason the match is a midweek kick-off is because of a congested sporting calendar in Australia and Melbourne in particular. It has been done to avoid clashes with big Australian Football League and National Rugby League matches this weekend.

This will be the first time in almost 30 years that a Bledisloe Cup match has taken place in midweek. The last time was a Wallaby win on a Wednesday night in August 1994.

What TV channel is Australia v New Zealand on? What about live streaming?

Australia v New Zealand will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena at 10:45am on Thursday morning. You can also live stream the match with a NOW TV subscription, which starts at £11.99 for a day pass.

What's the Australia v New Zealand team news?

Dave Rennie has made eight changes to the side that lost 24-8 to South Africa two weeks ago.

There is a brand new halfback pairing as Jake Gordon replaces Nic White, and veteran Bernard Foley returns to the international set up for the first time since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the Wallabies lost to Wales.

Fly half Noah Lolesio and centre Hunter Paisami suffered head knocks last time out. Foley replaces Lolesio, while Lalakai Foketi replaces Paisami at 12. Lock Rory Arnold is awaiting the birth of a child, so is unavailable for this Test.

Despite being called up for the remaining two Tests, Kurtley Beale is not part of the matchday 23.

A refreshed back-row for the All Blacks sees number eight Hoskins Sotutu flanked by blindside Scott Barrett and captain Sam Cane.

The ever-reliable Dane Coles is on the bench supplying front-row options with George Bower and youngster Fletcher Newell.

Rieko Ioane and David Havili look to continue their incredible midfield partnership, whilst fly-half Richie Mo'unga retains his spot at 10 with veteran Aaron Smith at nine.

AUSTRALIA: 15. Andrew Kellaway 14. Tom Wright 13. Len Ikitau 12. Lalakai Foketi 11. Marika Koroibete 10. Bernard Foley 9. Jake Gordon 1. James Slipper (C) 2. David Porecki 3. Allan Alaalatoa 4. Jed Holloway 5. Matt Phillip 6. Rob Leota 7. Pete Samu 8. Rob Valetini

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Folau Fainga'a 17. Scott Sio 18. Pone Fa'amausili 19. Darcy Swain 20. Fraser McReight 21. Nic White 22. Reece Hodge 23. Jordan Petaia

NEW ZEALAND: 15. Jordie Barrett 14. Will Jordan 13. Rieko Ioane 12. David Havili 11. Caleb Clarke 10. Richie Mo'unga 9. Aaron Smith 1. Ethan de Groot 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho 3. Tyrel Lomax 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Scott Barrett 7. Sam Cane (C) 8. Hoskins Sotutu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Dane Coles 17. George Bower 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Akira Ioane 19. Dalton Papili 20. Finlay Christie 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Quinn Tapaea

What have the coaches said?

Australia head coach Dave Rennie: “New Zealand showed their class in a massive win over Argentina last week and will come to Melbourne full of confidence."

“We’re well aware of the opportunity in front of us over the next fortnight and we’re extremely motivated to make the most of it.”

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster: “We are incredibly driven to keep hold of this trophy which means so much to both countries.”

“When you factor in how tight this year’s Rugby Championship is, all signs point towards another great Test match here in Melbourne.”

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