The All Blacks have made six changes to their lineup for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia at Optus Stadium, with several enforced by injury. Beauden Barrett and Ethan de Groot remain in New Zealand, while Tyrel Lomax (broken thumb) and Caleb Clarke (ankle) are unavailable.
Captain Scott Barrett returns to partner Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, Peter Lakai earns his first Test start at No.8, and Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell join the front row. In the backs, Damian McKenzie starts at first-five, Leicester Fainga’anuku returns for his first Test since the 2023 World Cup on the wing, and Quinn Tupaea gets his first start at centre. Will Jordan will mark his 50th Test cap in the black jersey.
Your team for the final round of the Rugby Championship 😤
Will Jordan to bring up 50 Tests 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/yIOyBQRxK9
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 2, 2025
