Two of the three hosts start the tournament at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Watch Australia vs New Zealand as the two host nations win the match Rugby World Cup with a bang in Sydney.
The tournament couldn’t have hoped for a bigger curtain raiser than this, as the Kangaroos and Kiwis – definitely no strangers to each other – renew their century-old rivalry. In fact, few would be surprised if this match is repeated in the final on November 15, given that these two teams are comfortably the top two teams in the world rankings.
If Thursday night is formed, Australia will be on top. The Kangaroos have lost just one match this decade, while their Rugby League World Cup record is stunning – winning nine of the last 10 tournaments, a record dating back half a century.
But the team responsible for those two clues? That would be the Kiwis, who beat Australia 30-0 in Hamilton 2023 and caused a shock in the 2008 World Cup final. In other words, the Kangaroos don’t always get everything your way.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Kangaroos vs Kiwis online, on TV and from anywhere – including options to watch for free in Australia and New Zealand. Scroll down to the bottom of the article for team lineups.
Australia vs New Zealand: Key information
– Date: Thursday 15.10.2026
– Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
– Start time: 10.05 BST / 20.05 AEDT / 22.05 NZDT / 5.05 EDT / 2.05 PDT
– FREE STREAMS: 7 Plus (Australia), ThreeNow (New Zealand)
– TV Channels/Live Streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, USA), Sky Sport (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
Watch Kangaroos vs Kiwis for FREE in Australia and New Zealand
As with every match at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, fans can watch Australia v New Zealand live below for free on Seven and its 7plus streaming service. You only need to provide your email address to create a free account.
The game is also available for free in New Zealand, where ThreeNow shows every Kiwi match – as well as semi-finals and finals. (You can also follow the match on the subscription service Sky Sports NZ.)
If you’re a resident of Australia or New Zealand and you’re traveling abroad today, a VPN can help you tune into this Rugby World Cup opener wherever you are. More information on this below…
How to stream Australia vs New Zealand from anywhere
Away from home at the moment? That doesn’t have to stop you from watching the big game on your usual free service. A VPN bypasses geoblocking by changing your IP address, allowing you to log in as if you were at home.
Our colleagues at Tom’s Guide test tons of VPNs and consider NordVPN to be the best in the world right now. It’s also great for improving your device’s security when you’re online, which is great for your peace of mind.
Watch the 2026 Rugby World Cup kick off in Great Britain and Ireland
Premier Sports has the UK rights to every Rugby World Cup match in Great Britain and Ireland, including this Australia v New Zealand live stream.
In Great Britain a Premier Sports online subscription costs £18.99 a month on a basic basis, £13.99 a month on a one-year contract, or £150 a year (£12.50 a month) if you pay upfront. Works on a variety of apps and devices.
You can also tune in to Premier Sports on your TV via Sky Q, Prime Video, STV Player and Virgin Media. The variable monthly cost is, again, £18.99, although other offers are available on certain platforms.
In Ireland Sky Sports subscribers can add Premier Sports as part of the Sports Extra package (which also includes TNT Sports). This costs €10 per month for the first six months, before increasing to €25 per month for the next six months.
Premier Sports is also available with Now Sports Extra membership (daily and monthly memberships available from €11.99 per month) and via Virgin Media – check the provider’s website for details.
Kangaroos v Kiwis live stream in the USA
Australia v New Zealand live streams are available at Premier Sports in the USA. The RLWC26 Pass, which gives you access to all 53 games of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournament, will cost you $25.
Watch Australia vs New Zealand around the world
Premier Sports has Australia vs New Zealand live streaming rights in over 120 countries, so if your territory isn’t mentioned individually above, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find it there. Prices vary by region.
Kangaroos vs Kiwis
Australia
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jack Bostock
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Cotton Staggs
5. Tom Trbojevic
6. Cameron Munster
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Abuse of body
11. Jacob Preston
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo (captain)
Exchange:
14. Tom Dearden
15. Cameron Murray
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Kaeon Koloamatangi
Reserves:
18. David Fifita
19. Bradman Best
20. Blayke Brailey
New Zealand
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Jamayne Isaac
3. Gagai data
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Is Nicorim
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. James Fisher-Harris (captain)
14. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Moses Leota
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. British Nikora
13. Joseph Tapine
Exchange:
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Naufahu White
16. Erin Clark
17. Xavier Willison
Reserves:
18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
19. Chinese style
20. Scott Sorensen
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee
Touch referees: Tyson Brough, Matt Noyen
Senior Audit Officer: Chris Butler
We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational use. for example:
- Accessing the service from another country (in accordance with the terms and conditions of that service)
- Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when you’re abroad
We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or condone the consumption of pirated paid content.
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