All Blacks forced into key changes for Bledisloe Cup opener
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffInjuries have forced All Blacks coach Dave Rennie to rejig his side for the first Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia on Saturday.
Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf, while there is a recall for lock and former skipper Scott Barrett, with Codie Taylor captaining the side from hooker.
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With McKenzie moving to flyhalf, there’s a recall for Beauden Barrett at fullback, while Quinn Tupaea returns from injury to partner Jordie Barrett at centre.
In the front row, Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell will pack down with Taylor, with Josh Lord joining Scott Barrett at lock, while the loose trio comprises Tupou Vaa'i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi.
"The Bledisloe Cup means a huge amount to this group. There's a lot of history and pride tied up in it, and every Test against the Wallabies carries real weight for us," Rennie said after naming his team.
"We have huge respect for this Australian side and the way they have been playing. We know we'll need to be at our best.
"We've been on the road for the last eight games, so the boys are rapt to be home and really looking forward to running out at Eden Park one last time this year.”
All Blacks team to face Australia
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Tupou Vaa'i, 5 Josh Lord, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Josh Moorby.