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All Blacks v Wallabies: Damian McKenzie picked at No 10 for Bledisloe Cup opener, Scott Barrett returns

More injuries have forced Dave Rennie into a reshuffle for the Bledisloe Cup opener.

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 11:00 PM
All Blacks v Wallabies: Damian McKenzie picked at No 10 for Bledisloe Cup opener, Scott Barrett returns
Key Things to Know
  • Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf and Scott Barrett returns at lock for New Zealand against Australia.
  • Injuries to Richie Mo'unga and Ruben Love prompted head coach Dave Rennie to shift Beauden Barrett to fullback.
  • Scott Barrett makes his first test appearance of the year after recovering from a back injury.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Damian McKenzie has been selected to start at first five-eighth for the All Blacks in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia at Eden Park. Head coach Dave Rennie reshuffled the backline after injuries sidelined Richie Mo'unga and Ruben Love, moving Beauden Barrett to fullback. Meanwhile, lock Scott Barrett returns to the starting lineup alongside Josh Lord for his first test match of the year following a long-term back injury.

The forward pack also features loose forwards Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi starting alongside Tupou Vaa'i, with Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson unavailable due to injuries. Shannon Frizell makes his return to the squad via the bench after previously playing in Japan, and center Quinn Tupaea has recovered from a knee injury to start beside Jordie Barrett.

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