All Blacks welcome Wallabies to fortress Eden Park

It’s been 27 years since New Zealand last tasted defeat at Eden Park and for the Wallabies it’s been a matter of 19 year since they last won the Bledisloe Cup.

The last time the All Blacks lost in Auckland was in 1994 which has seen 44 test matches happen at the venue without a single victory for the visiting side.

With a 35-year gap between now and the last time that Australia won in New Zealand’s financial hub, Wallaby captain Michael Hooper wants the youngsters to look past their history.

"It wouldn't be good to put what everyone else says about Eden Park on to them," Hooper said via AFP.

"If the way they feel about it is all positive then happy days. It's great to have that sort of feeling and that sort of youthful 'I just want to get out there and play rugby' (sentiment)."

The All Blacks have selected Damien Mackenzie, Sevu Reece and Rieko Ioane as their fullback and two wings respectively and Australia’s coach Dave Rennie wants to try and take advantage of the trio.

"We'll be doing what we can with that back three. It's not the biggest back three in world rugby," he said.

New Zealand:

Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock (capt), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower

Replacements: Dane Coles, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Angus Ta'avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett.

Australia:

Tom Banks, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (capt), Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Jake Gordon, Matt To'omua, Reece Hodge