Get in touch on email: paul.connolly@theguardian.com
7.43pm AEST
Tonights first email is from John Boon (no relation... or he would have mentioned it, surely), and hes got some worthwhile thoughts, which is more than Ive had for quite some time. I would like to put out a congratulations to Uruguay for sealing the final world cup spot at the expense of Russia. Its a credit to the IRB that theyve invested so much time and money in the lesser lights. By the way, Georgia had 66000 attend their recent fixture against Romania. Surely they and other sides deserve a pathway to the top table in Europe? Or maybe the six nations should be swapped for an 8 team European championship every fourth year?
7.39pm AEST
And here, although when youre asked to do it its not quite the same thing:
@drew_mitchell @AdamCoopy @QantasWallabies go on champion. Smash it!
7.35pm AEST
Adam Ashley-Cooper is playing his 100th Test match tonight only the 6th Wallaby to reach that milestone. I was about to write celebrating his 100th Test but the celebrating part may depend on how the match unfurls. He should be proud of his achievements, nonetheless, and deserves to raise his bat.
.@AdamCoopy raises the bat to celebrate his 100th Test! What a legend...#Swoop100 #AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/eo5lQCYXb3
Congrats to @adamcoopy @QantasWallabies on 100th Cap from all @lionsofficial
7.33pm AEST
The teams:
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Saia Faingaa, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Sam Carter, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Scott Fardy, 7. Michael Hooper (c ) 8. Scott Higginbotham, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Joe Tomane, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 15. Israel Folau. Reserves:16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Benn Robinson, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. James Horwill, 20. Matt Hodgson, 21. Nic White, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. Rob Horne.
All Blacks: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Richie McCaw, 8. Kieran Read, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Julian Savea, 12. Malakai Fekitoa, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Corey Jane, 15. Israel Dagg. Reserves: 16. Keven Mealamu, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Charlie Faumuina, 19, Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Sam Cane, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Colin Slade, 23. Charles Piutau.
7.26pm AEST
Your thoughts
So what do you think? Whats on your mind? About anything, really. Even tonights game. Its good to talk, so drop me a line at paul.connolly@theguardian.com.
7.22pm AEST
Predictions
So whats going to happen tonight? There are a few likely scenarios. Lets explore some of them:
7.12pm AEST
Welcome dear readers to the third and final Bledisloe Cup match of 2014, a trophy that has been out of the Wallabies possession for so long that for young Australians its fast approaching mythical status, like the bunyip, the abominable snowman and home ownership.
Of course theres no actual Bledisloe Cup on the line tonight at Brisbanes Lang Park. After drawing the first match in Sydney six weeks ago, then belting the Wallabies at Eden Park a week later, the All Blacks have secured the thing (for the 12th year running) no matter what happens tonight. The cup may as well be bolted down in the All Blacks trophy cabinet.
7.12pm AEST
Lets be up front from the outset, shall we? Against the All Blacks in the final Bledisloe Cup Test at Suncorp tonight, it could get very ugly for the Wallabies and, in particular, Ewen McKenzie, who has endured a rather trying week in the wake of the on-going Kurtley Beale text message furore.
No doubt Paul will have more about that in due course, but while he makes his way to his keyboard to guide you through the misery, why not have a read of what Guardian Australia rugby writer Rajiv Maharaj thinks of this weeks shenanigans in the Wallabies camp:
One day out from a dead rubber Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane and the Kurtley Beale saga rages on. Its an unholy mess and far from over. The Australian Rugby Unions attempts to regain control of the situation have been farcical and self-destructive to date.
One issue from the Beale saga that hasnt been mentioned is the impact it will have on playing list retention, especially Israel Folau who is also handled by Beales manager. Guardian Australia understands Folau has been far from impressed with the professionalism displayed by the ARU in its handling of the Beale/Patston situation. He comes off contract at the end of next year and he wont extend unless he sees a dramatic improvement in the way the team is managed. And with Jarryd Haynes departure for a crack at the NFL, an approach by the Parramatta Eels is a certainty.
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