All Blacks lock Scott Barrett will take back the captaincy as coach Scott Robertson has been forced into major changes for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against the Wallabies.
Barrett missed the opening Test at Eden Park due to injury and takes his spot back in the starting side.
Watch the Wallabies tackle the All Blacks live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
However, the visitors are feeling the toils of a brutal match in Auckland, with Tyrel Lomax (thumb), Caleb Clarke (ankle), Beauden Barrett (shoulder), Ethan de Groot (concussion) all out.
Barrett and de Groot didn’t make the trip over the ditch, with Clake and Lomax returning home for further treatment.
Damian McKenzie comes into the starting side at flyhalf, with Leicester Fainga’anuku returning to the black jersey.
The winger last played Test Rugby at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has committed to return to the Crusaders.
He reunites with former teammate Will Jordan, who will play his 50th Test for the side.
Further changes to the backline sees Quinn Tupaea selected at outside centre, with Jordie Barrett set to partner him.
Meanwhile in the forwards, Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell come into the front row, with Peter Lakai elevated to the starting side.
The bench is almost completely changes, with the likes of George Bower, Pasilio Tosi and Rieko Ioane added to the 23.
Wallace Sititi shifts to a finisher role, with Patrick Tuipulotu retaining his spot after his return from injury.
“We saw how competitive and determined the Wallabies were in Auckland last weekend, staying in the fight right to the end. We expect another tough contest this Saturday. We have picked a 23 to go toe-to-toe with a quality Australian team,” coach Robertson said.
“It’s all up for grabs in what has been the most even Rugby Championship we’ve ever seen; and we’re here to cap off this competition with a performance we can be proud of.”
It will be the two team’s third match-up at Optus Stadium, which was the home of the All Blacks’ heaviest defeat (47-26) before their loss to the Springboks earlier in the Rugby Championship.
Despite that, victory against the Australians and a South African defeat will wrap up the Rugby Championship title.
1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Simon Parker
7. Ardie Savea (vc)
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leicester Fainga'anuku
12. Jordie Barrett (vc)
13. Quinn Tupaea
14. Leroy Carter
15. Will Jordan
Replacements
16. Samisoni Tuakei'aho
17. George Bower
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Rieko Ioane
23. Ruben Love
