Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press
The All Blacks’ selectors have named their team to play Australia at Eden Park this Saturday evening, with Ardie Savea to captain the side following a shoulder injury to Scott Barrett.
LIVE on Sky Sport – Saturday 27 September: All Blacks vs Australia, 5:05PM (NZST). Highlights available on NZR+ and All Blacks YouTube.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)
1. Ethan de Groot (36)
2. Codie Taylor (101) (Vice-Captain)
3. Tyrel Lomax (47)
4. Fabian Holland (7)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (44)
6. Simon Parker (3)
7. Ardie Savea (101) (Captain)
8. Wallace Sititi (13)
9. Cam Roigard (12)
10. Beauden Barrett (140)
11. Caleb Clarke (29)
12. Jordie Barrett (75) (Vice-Captain)
13. Billy Proctor (8)
14. Leroy Carter (1)
15. Will Jordan (48)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (37)
17. Tamaiti Williams (21)
18. Fletcher Newell (29)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (54)
20. Peter Lakai (3)
21. Cortez Ratima (16)
22. Quinn Tupaea (19)
23. Damian McKenzie (68)
Unavailable for selection: Scott Barrett (shoulder), Ollie Norris (back), Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius).
Five players who weren’t involved in the two Tests against the Springboks enter the 23 this week, as the All Blacks take on Australia in the final two rounds of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests.
Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima have both returned from injury to share halfback duties, while lock Patrick Tuipulotu also makes his return from injury to take a spot on the bench.
Caleb Clarke will start on the left wing for his first All Blacks game of the season, after injuring his ankle ahead of the second Test of the July series. That sees Leroy Carter move to the right wing for his second All Blacks Test; Will Jordan shifts to fullback and Damian McKenzie fills the backline impact role.
Loose forward Peter Lakai will also wear the black jersey for the first time in 2025, earning a place in the reserves.
A shoulder injury to Scott Barrett has ruled him out for this match, however he is expected to be fit for the following Bledisloe Cup match in Perth. Fabian Holland will take the number four jersey, partnering with Tupou Vaa’i at lock.
Codie Taylor returns as starting hooker this week, with Samisoni Taukei’aho in support from the bench.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team was looking forward to returning to Eden Park, with both Rugby Championship points and the Bledisloe Cup to play for.
“With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening.”
MATCH FACTS
• This is the 180th test between NZ and Australia, with New Zealand winning 126 – the most tests between any international opponents (England is next with 143 each against Wales, Scotland and Ireland).
• The two sides have met 33 times at Eden Park, with the All Blacks securing 29 wins.
• The All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003, with 22 straight series wins. Australia’s last win in a Bledisloe Cup match was 7 November 2020 in Brisbane (24-22).
• Will Jordan has scored a try in 7 of his last 8 Test matches against Australia.
