American Marconi Wireless News - Robertson rallies All Blacks with Rugby Championship on the line

New Zealand face their arch-rivals at a sell-out 60,000 Perth Stadium on the back of some patchy form, with two wins and two defeats in their last four matches.

"We've talked about our consistencies, one of our focuses is to do it back-to-back," Robertson said on Thursday.

"Get up for the match, doesn't matter who we're playing, where we're playing, so there is an opportunity this weekend."

The All Blacks locked away the Bledisloe Cup after a tense 33-24 victory over the Wallabies in Auckland last weekend, but there is plenty still to play for as they strive to reclaim the Rugby Championship crown from South Africa.

Trailing the Springboks by a point heading into the sixth and final round, victory is crucial for New Zealand, while hoping Argentina upset the Springboks in London.

Australia, three points behind New Zealand, still have hope of a first title in a decade, and are desperate to snap a 10-game losing streak against the All Blacks.

"They will be hugely motivated," warned Robertson. "Been a while since they've beaten us, there's a little bit of hype around them, so it's going to be a hell of an occasion."

The All Blacks are boosted by the return from injury of skipper Scott Barrett among six changes to an injury-ravaged side.

He takes over from Fabian Holland, partnering Tupou Vaa'i in the second row, while Peter Lakai starts at No.8. Tamaiti Williams replaces the concussed Ethan de Groot in the front row alongside Fletcher Newell.

With Beauden Barrett sidelined after hurting his shoulder, Damian McKenzie assumes the No.10 jersey.

Leicester Fainga'anuku will make his first appearance since the 2023 World Cup at left wing after Caleb Clarke was ruled out with an ankle niggle.

Quinn Tupaea was promoted to outside centre in place of Billy Proctor.

- Slipper farewell -

The Wallabies made five changes, entrusting rookie Tane Edmed with playmaker duties ahead of the benched James O'Connor in what will be prop James Slipper's 151st and last Test.

Edmed will make only his second start and form a new halves pairing with Jake Gordon, who replaces the injured Tate McDermott.

In a major boost, Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are back to bolster the forward pack.

Flanker Valetini missed the Auckland defeat with a calf niggle while lock Skelton has been absent for three Tests due to club duties with French side La Rochelle.

Valetini is among the substitutes while Skelton starts in place of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, bedding down with Slipper for the last time after he announced his international retirement this week.

Slipper, 36, will bow out as one of only three men to play 150 Tests, alongside Wales's Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand's Sam Whitelock.

Allan Alaalatoa is preferred at tighthead prop to Taniela Tupou while Filipo Daugunu is on the wing in place of Corey Toole.

While Australia lost last week they rallied from 20-3 down and were just two points behind going into the final five minutes.

"The squad has dusted themselves off from the disappointment in Auckland and they've worked away this week in preparation for what's going to be another torrid Test match against New Zealand on Saturday," said coach Joe Schmidt.

New Zealand (15-1)

Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker; Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (capt); Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower, Pasilo Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Rieko Ioane, Ruben Love

Australia (15-1)

Max Jorgensen; Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Filipo Daugunu; Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper.

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, James O'Connor, Josh Flook

L.Harper--AMWN