The All Blacks are back in action this weekend as they take on Australia in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.
Dave Rennie has some huge calls to make.
Richie Mo’unga is back, Scott Barrett is available again and Shannon Frizell has returned to the All Blacks squad for the first time since 2023.
But New Zealand are missing some serious names.
Captain Ardie Savea is out injured, while Ruben Love, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke and Luke Jacobson are also unavailable.
Love’s injury is particularly significant.
The 25-year-old started New Zealand’s opening six Tests of 2026 at fly-half but now requires ankle surgery and will miss the rest of the year.
His absence opens the door for Mo’unga to return at 10.
And that could trigger a major reshuffle behind him.
Here’s the All Blacks XV we think Rennie should select against Australia.
15. Beauden Barrett
This feels like the obvious move if Mo’unga starts at 10.
Barrett at fulll-back gives New Zealand another experienced playmaker who can step in at first receiver when required.
It also means Rennie doesn’t have to choose between Barrett and Will Jordan.
Get them both on the pitch.
14. Will Jordan
Jordan is more than capable of playing full-back, but shifting him to the wing makes sense if Barrett starts at 15.
It certainly doesn’t make him any less dangerous.
Jordan can roam, appear through the middle and finish opportunities from anywhere.
Australia won't care what number is on his back.
13. Rieko Ioane
This is where the injuries start causing problems.
Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown are both unavailable, leaving Rennie short of established midfield options.
Ioane has huge Test experience and we'd put him back at outside centre alongside Jordie Barrett.
12. Jordie Barrett
No debate here.
Barrett brings size, defence, kicking and another playmaking option to the midfield.
He starts.
11. Leroy Carter
Probably one of the tougher calls.
Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby are both options, but we'd give Carter the shirt.
With Caleb Clarke injured, there's an opportunity for someone to make the left wing their own.
10. Richie Mo’unga
Straight back in.
Ruben Love's injury leaves a hole at fly-half and Mo'unga is the obvious man to fill it.
Josh Jacomb is also in the squad, while Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie can cover the position.
But this is Australia at Eden Park.
Mo'unga has 57 Test caps and knows exactly what these games are about.
Give him the keys.
9. Cam Roigard
Another fairly simple call.
Roigard has become one of the most dangerous scrum-halves in Test rugby.
His running threat around the fringes could cause Australia serious problems.
1. Ethan de Groot
Plenty of competition at loosehead, but we'd stick with de Groot.
He gives New Zealand size and experience in the front-row.
2. Codie Taylor (c)
Taylor will captain the All Blacks with Savea unavailable.
The veteran hooker has serious competition from Asafo Aumua and Samisoni Taukei'aho, but the skipper starts this one.
3. Tyrel Lomax
Another experienced head in the front-row.
Lomax remains our pick at tighthead and gives New Zealand a strong scrummaging platform.
4. Scott Barrett
This is a gamble.
Barrett is back in the squad after his injury problems, but there is a difference between being available and being ready to play a full Test.
He's had limited rugby and managed just over 50 minutes for Taranaki on his return.
Even so, we'd start him.
His experience becomes even more important with Savea missing.
5. Tupou Vaa’i
Vaa'i has become a key member of this All Blacks pack.
He gives them work-rate, physicality and athleticism in the second-row.
Easy selection.
6. Shannon Frizell
This would get people talking.
Frizell is back in an All Blacks squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
You don't bring a player of his experience back just to make up the numbers.
With Savea and Jacobson unavailable, we'd put him straight onto the blindside.
7. Peter Lakai
A big opportunity.
Lakai gives New Zealand mobility and a genuine breakdown threat.
Replacing Savea is impossible, but this is a chance for Lakai to put down a marker.
8. Wallace Sititi
We'd move Sititi to No.8.
He's powerful, explosive and capable of giving the All Blacks the front-foot ball they'll need against Australia.
A back-row of Frizell, Lakai and Sititi has a bit of everything.
