Deja vu has set in for All Blacks fans with Wellington's first-five curse again hitting the All Blacks camp hard - indeed, it is a bit of a double blow with Aaron Cruden ruled out for up to 6 weeks with a knee injury, and Beauden Barrett with a calf strain for a week at least.
It means that as in 2011, when the All Blacks played Canada at the stadium, Colin Slade will start at first- five - anyone still got those Standing for Slade t-shirts?
Colin Slade has somewhat returned to the form that he showed in 2010 and thankfully hasn't had any big injuries since he broke both sides of his jaw in 2012 - plus that injury he sustained at the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
This is probably Slade's last chance to show that he should be up the list on the ABs first-five pecking order. And like another fellow first-five on the outer, he could be in line for the 2nd pauper to prince story in All Black rugby in 2 years.
This time, his back up is Crusaders utility back, Tom Taylor, who is an able goal-kicker and showed good form for the Crusaders at 2nd five this season. However, an international test particularly against Australia will be a huge step-up for him.
In other news, Luke Romano is out of the Rugby Championship due to a groin injury and won't be available till November - Steven Luatua is now likely to cover with him with Luke Whitelock brought into the squad to boost red and black numbers further.
Quakes, injuries, this test's build-up has had it all. Let's hope we have less of those in the week leading to Saturday.
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