Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf as the All Blacks make six changes to their lineup for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup test against Australia, with the Wallabies also naming five alterations from last weekend’s match.
New Zealand secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 23rd consecutive year after a 33-24 win in the first test in Auckland. Despite claiming the trophy, the All Blacks remain in contention for the Rugby Championship, with their standing dependent on the South Africa-Argentina clash at Twickenham later on Saturday.
Injury concerns prompted most of New Zealand’s changes. Beauden Barrett is sidelined with a shoulder injury, Ethan de Groot has a concussion, Tyrel Lomax is out with a thumb injury, and winger Caleb Clarke misses out with an ankle problem. Damian McKenzie will take over at flyhalf, while the other adjustments reflect Robertson’s response to these absences.
Australia have made five changes to their starting XV. Jake Gordon and Will Skelton are drafted into the lineup, Filipo Daugunu earns his first start of the year on the left wing, and Tane Edmed partners Gordon in the halves. Allan Ala’alatoa starts at tighthead prop alongside hooker Billy Pollard and loosehead James Slipper — marking Slipper’s 151st and final international appearance. The front row features an all-ACT Brumbies combination, highlighting the team’s depth from the Super Rugby side.
New Zealand: 15. Will Jordan, 14. Leroy Carter, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10. Damian McKenzi, 8. Peter Lakai, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Simon Parker, 5. Tupou Va’ai, 4. Scott Barrett, 3. Fletcher Newell, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Tamaiti Williams Replacements: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Rieko Ioane, 23. Ruben Love
Australia: 15. Max Jorgensen, 14. Harry Potter, 13. Joseph – Aukuso Suaalii, 12. Len Ikitau, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 10. Tane Edmed. 9. Jake Gordon, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 7. Fraser McReight, 6. Tom Hooper, 5. Will Skelton, 4. Nick Frost, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Billy Pollard, 1. James Slippard Replacements 16. JoshNassr, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Rob Valetini, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Josh Flook
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