1. Taniela Tupou v Karl Tu'inukuafe
It's odd to begin with two props who might not start or cross paths during the Bledisloe opener, but they are such characters it's hard to ignore them.
Australians believe they have the best young tighthead in the world in Tupou, and he was destructive throughout Super Rugby and off the bench against Ireland.
Golden chance: Israel Folau must fire if the Wallabies are to repeat the heights of Bledisloe III last year.
Kiwis, meanwhile, have a new cult hero in Tu'inukuafe, who didn't even have Super Rugby contract at the start of the year but at 135kg will match Tupou for size.
Don't be fooled by appearances. At 22, Tupou is only three years younger than Tu'inukuafe and both are adding to their games all the time.
If they both start on the bench expect a huge scrum confrontation when they run on after about an hour. They must be two of the strongest men in southern hemisphere rugby.
Verdict: Draw
2. Bernard Foley v Beauden Barrett
Bernard Foley will have the security of Waratahs teammate Kurtley Beale outside him – the pair are virtually interchangeable these days.
Despite the last-up Bledisloe win in Brisbane, Foley did not have a great night but there is no doubting his toughness – remember how he got up after being belted by Ofa Tuungafasi.
Waratahs form has been solid but he is still prone to an off night with the boot.
Barrett comes into this game under pressure – at least from the public. Richie Mo'unga's strong Super Rugby performances have caught attention and Barrett's every move will be heavily scrutinised.
Verdict: Barrett by a nose.
3. Marika Koroibete v Rieko Ioane
By the end of last year Koroibete had developed into a Test weapon.
It's debatable if he has reached those heights again but even if the play isn't coming his way he can contribute with his kick chases and defensive pressure.
His kicking game remains a concern but if he can hover around Will Genia's shoulder he can test the All Blacks around the ruck, where there can be holes.
Ioane is the No.1 threat to the Wallabies – no question about it. He's a big man, he has incredible acceleration and he normally wins the contact in every situation.
He killed them in Sydney last year and the Wallabies have to be in his face all evening.
Verdict: Ioane
4. Lukhan Tui v Liam Squire
Hard man v hard man. If the Wallabies pick Tui at No.6 it's a clear signal of how they are going to play – with waves of heavy ball carriers.
Tui is one of the best in Australia with the ball in his hands and he doesn't appear to be fazed by the All Blacks – his performance off the bench in Brisbane last year was outstanding.
He was populating the wide channels in the Wallabies' trial match two weeks ago so expect more of that.
Squire is an enforcer. The Highlanders gave him the job of stopping Amanaki Mafi in Dunedin a few weeks back and he took to the task with relish. Probably the toughest man in New Zealand rugby.
Verdict: Squire
5. Israel Folau v Jordie Barrett
The Wallabies probably can't win without Folau, at some stage, having a major influence.
He is almost impossible to contain when given a bit of space and can cause the All Blacks all sorts of problems if their kicking game isn't accurate.
What will be fascinating will be the respective tactics at restarts. Will the Wallabies go short and will the All Blacks use a lifter like Ireland?
Barrett will be an interesting selection if the All Blacks go down that path. He hasn't been the best No.15 in New Zealand this year, and was forced into a midfield role due to the Hurricanes' injuries, but the All Blacks have immense faith in him.
That, in part, is due to his size. If there is a fullback in world rugby who could contest the high ball with Folau it's probably the 196cm youngster.
Verdict: Folau
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