All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made THREE changes to his starting XV for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia, but one selection has left supporters far from happy.
New Zealand head to Sydney following their emphatic 50-19 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park last weekend.
However, Rennie has shuffled his pack ahead of the return fixture, with several players handed opportunities.
George Bower replaces Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, while Fabian Holland comes into the second row for Josh Lord.
Josh Moorby also starts on the wing in place of the injured Leroy Carter.
But it is the decision to retain veteran Beauden Barrett at full-back that has sparked debate among supporters.
All Blacks fans demand Barrett change
Some fans believe Will Jordan should return to his preferred full-back role, allowing another winger to enter the starting XV.
One frustrated supporter wrote on Instagram:
"Will Jordan shouldve been put back too FB we have many Good Wings to chose from. Enough of this BB BS!."
The same fan added:
"Get rid of BB from this lineup it would be the Perfect Team for whats available."
However, other selections have received a far warmer reception.
Du'Plessis Kirifi's inclusion among the replacements has delighted supporters.
One fan wrote:
"Kirifi the definition of resilience and a dawg attitude"
Another added:
"Kirifi going from missing out on selection 3 times to not winning a single npc game to on the bench against the wallabies"
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Despite the debate, confidence remains high ahead of Saturday's showdown.
One supporter confidently predicted:
"We will win by 20+"
Another simply declared:
"Big W coming up"
New Zealand will now look to back up last weekend's dominant display and extend their winning run against their Trans-Tasman rivals.
All Blacks team to face Australia – Saturday, 17 October 2026
Dave Rennie has confirmed his matchday 23 for the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney, making three changes to the starting XV and eight to the matchday squad.
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Starting XV
- George Bower
- Codie Taylor (captain)
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Fabian Holland
- Tupou Vaa'i
- Peter Lakai
- Wallace Sititi
- Cam Roigard
- Damian McKenzie
- Josh Moorby
- Jordie Barrett
- Quinn Tupaea
- Will Jordan
- Beauden Barrett
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Samisoni Taukei'aho
17. Xavier Numia
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Shannon Frizell
20. Du'Plessis Kirifi
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai
23. Rieko Ioane
Three changes to the starting XV
- George Bower replaces Ethan de Groot.
- Fabian Holland replaces Josh Lord.
- Josh Moorby replaces injured Leroy Carter.
Kick-off: Saturday, 17 October, 6am UK time (4pm Sydney).
