Damian McKenzie has been replaced by Beauden Barrett at first-five for the All Blacks’ upcoming Bledisloe II match against the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday.
Head coach Scott Robertson made several changes to the backline, including Anton Lienert-Brown stepping in for the injured Jordie Barrett.
TJ Perenara returns at halfback, while Sevu Reece and Will Jordan retain their spots in the starting lineup. The All Blacks aim to break their losing streak at Sky Stadium, where they haven’t won since 2018.
McKenzie’s benching comes after a closely scrutinised performance in the 31-28 win over the Wallabies last Saturday. Having started every test this year, this match seemed likely to be a rest opportunity with the Bledisloe Cup already secured.
Former captain Sam Cane will celebrate his 100th test match.
All Blacks Squad
- 1 Ethan de Groot
- 2 Codie Taylor
- 3 Tyrel Lomax
- 4 Scott Barrett (c)
- 5 Tupou Vaa’i
- 6 Wallace Sititi
- 7 Sam Cane
- 8 Ardie Savea
- 9 TJ Perenara
- 10 Beauden Barrett
- 11 Caleb Clarke
- 12 Anton Lienert-Brown
- 13 Rieko Ioane
- 14 Sevu Reece
- 15 Will Jordan
- 16 Asafo Aumua
- 17 Tamaiti Williams
- 18 Pasilio Tosi
- 19 Patrick Tuipulotu
- 20 Luke Jacobson
- 21 Cortez Ratima
- TBC
- 23 David Havili
