Rugby Championship: Five talking points ahead of Wallabies v All Blacks as Hoskins Sotutu gets his chance in Bledisloe Cup opener

The Rugby Championship returns on Thursday with Australia facing New Zealand in the first Bledisloe Cup clash, which takes place in Melbourne.

Planet Rugby breaks down five talking points ahead of the game at Marvel Stadium.

Bernard Foley coming in cold for Wallabies

No disrespect to Foley but Australia are down to the bare bones of their fly-half stocks after injuries to Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and a concussion to Noah Lolesio means the ‘Ice Man’ is the next cab off the rank. He starts Bledisloe I as an unexpected opportunity to press his claims for World Cup selection arrives.

Foley has not played international rugby since 2019, however, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts on his return to this level, with his recent club run-outs taking place in Japan’s top-tier. It’s a huge step up for 33-year-old Foley and he’s eager to “make the most of it” in a jersey that is very much up for grabs.

Finally, an opportunity for Hoskins Sotutu

Plenty of All Blacks positions have been debated long and hard over the past few months and while Ardie Savea’s place in the side is assured after his excellent showings, a possible move back to seven was talked about to allow the immensely talented Sotutu a chance to showcase his ability in the number eight jersey.

The Blues back-row’s opportunity finally comes this week and in unusual circumstances as it’s in fact Savea who is absent due to the birth of his third child. Sotutu will be keen to make this chance count and we are looking forward to seeing him back in the black jersey as his talents belong on the international stage.

Wallabies back-row tweaks worth monitoring

There’s been something of a pack reshuffle from Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie as Fraser McReight drops to the bench and Jed Holloway moves to the second-row. That means starts for Rob Leota at blindside and Pete Samu on the openside, with both men powerful, quick and skilful operators who will add plenty.

Samu always makes an impact off the bench and it’s pleasing to see him given the nod from the off in this crucial Rugby Championship clash, with McReight sure to do likewise when he emerges later on. We are also happy that Holloway is retained, albeit as a lock, and it could prove to be a masterstroke from the coach.

20 years of Bledisloe Cup hurt for Wallabies

It has been a heck of a long time between drinks out of the Bledisloe Cup for Australia. Yes, 2002 was the last time they had their hands on this coveted piece of silverware. George Gregan, George Smith, Matt Burke, Owen Finegan, Toutai Kefu and Stephen Larkham played that day which shows just how long it’s been.

Can the class of 2022 end two decades of hurt for the Wallabies and win the first of back-to-back games in the coming weeks, which would instil a huge amount of confidence in the side just a year out from the Rugby World Cup? Victory in Melbourne would be massive and pile pressure on the All Blacks at Eden Park.

The old band back together in the second-row

Yes, the familiar second-row partnership of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick is reunited from the off this week as the latter continues his return to full fitness. Thus far this Rugby Championship it has been Scott Barrett alongside Whitelock and while he is an outstanding player, Retallick is a cut above with ball in hand.

The powerful and athletic Chief, who scored after coming off the bench last time out, has pace, slick handling and unrivalled Test experience and will be raring to go after a frustrating spell out with injury. If New Zealand are to retain the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship, this double act will no doubt have had a say.

READ MORE: Rugby Championship preview: All Blacks to retain Bledisloe Cup against Wallabies in Melbourne