Cruden or Barrett has been the question all week, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika even chipping in with his thoughts that the choice would be problematic.
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But under Cheika the Wallabies won the corresponding Rugby Championship Test 27-19 in Sydney past year on the way to claiming the tournament, which also includes South Africa and Argentina.
While the Kiwis have held the Bledisloe for 13 consecutive years and have won back-to-back World Cups, they haven’t won in Sydney since 2013, with a loss and a draw in their most recent visits.
He is on the bench for the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks and should be back in England in October, when Australia meet Argentina in a replay of last year’s World Cup semi final.
The All Blacks, who are the world No 1 in rugby union, take on the Wallabies in the opening fixture of the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney, with New Zealand looking to extend their stranglehold on the competition.
“If you look at what they’re saying and that I think they’re building their own siege mentality and that’s fine, that’s what they’ve got to do and we certainly respect them”, he added.
“‘Fards’ has been in the team for a fair while now and Ben’s been putting pressure on at different times and every time he steps out to play for Australia”.
Flank Sam Cane has been cleared to play after suffering concussion late in the Super Rugby season but hooker Dane Coles remains sidelined with a rib injury.
“This test match will be another stepping stone in the re-establishment of this group on the global stage and we know that Australia will throw everything at us, which is what test rugby is all about”, said Hansen.
“With more than 800 test caps of experience in our matchday 23, I’m confident we have the experience to deal with the challenge”.
“So that creates pressure but you’re kidding yourself if you think any Test match that there’s not pressure on both sides”.
There are gambles on the bench, with Hansen forgoing a specialist midfielder and relying on Ben Smith’s versatility, naming the Highlanders fullback on the right wing. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley 11. I remember a hit from David Pocock early on and that set the tone for us in terms of physicality. The New Zealand coach has also shunned a specialist second-rower on the bench, noting loose forwards Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino could play there if needed.
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Replacements: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Charlie Faumuina, 19 Liam Squire, 20.
