Sport: Rugby Country: Australia Category: Scores & Results

All Blacks name Damian McKenzie and Scott Barrett for Bledisloe Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 12:17 AM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

All Blacks name Damian McKenzie and Scott Barrett for Bledisloe Cup opener

Summary

The New Zealand All Blacks have selected Damian McKenzie to start at flyhalf and Scott Barrett to return at lock for the first Bledisloe Test against Australia on Saturday. McKenzie steps in due to injuries to key players, including Richie Mo'unga, who is sidelined with a calf issue. Other injury absences include Caleb Clarke and Ardie Savea, affecting the team’s overall strategy. Will Jordan and Leroy Carter will take positions on the wings, while Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea join the midfield. Codie Taylor will maintain captaincy despite the changes across the lineup.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•McKenzie starts at flyhalf with Barrett at fullback.
•Injuries have decimated the squad ahead of the Bledisloe Test.
•Scott Barrett returns to the lineup, marking his first test this season.
•Jordan and Carter will start on the wings.
•Taylor continues as captain despite numerous team changes.

Latest Updates

12:17 AMYahoo Sports — All Blacks select Damian McKenzie at flyhalf; Scott Barrett returns for 1st Bledisloe test

What they're saying

"
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf with veteran Beauden Barrett at fullback as a spate of injuries has shaped the New Zealand All Blacks lineup to face Australia on Saturday in the first rugby test of Bledisloe Cup series.Ruben Love already had been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury when Richie Mo'unga injured a calf muscle at training on Tuesday, leaving McKenzie and Barrett — both preferred as fullbacks — to share the playmaker roles in the wake of
— Yahoo Sportsby STEVE McMORRAN

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