All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his side for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies, with a key omission coming in the forward pack.
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With former New Zealand captain Scott Barrett returning from his back injury, the Crusaders and Taranaki man comes straight back into the starting XV for the clash with Australia.
Barrett links up with his provincial teammate Josh Lord in the All Blacks engine room, with Shannon Frizell picked as the second row coverage from the bench.
This sees in-form lock Fabian Holland dropped from the entire match day squad, and can only watch the action from the stands at Eden Park this weekend.
“That was one of the tough decisions,” Rennie said of Holland to New Zealand outlet Stuff.
“Obviously, we’re really happy with how Josh Lord has gone, too.”
It's evident that no-body is safe in the All Blacks squad, with the New Zealand team to face Australia also featuring multiple changes across the squad.
All Blacks fans shared their thoughts on social media, following the team naming a few hours ago. It was evident that plenty of fans were frustrated with the picks.
"What a f****** Joke…Carter, Scott-B Barrett, Ioane these players aren’t good enough to win a World why are we still picking them….." said X user Devon Coutts.
"Is Fabian Holland injured?" asked user Coach K.
"Yeah I’m becoming more discouraged about our WC [World Cup] hopes the more I see the way this group manages." said verified user The Hourglass. "That WC dream is fading fast, the more time passes with this group the more I see us not getting there."
"RIP Eden Park fortress" said Doon.
The concern is evident that New Zealand could see their unbeaten streak at Eden Park come to an end this Saturday. Australia enter the spiritual home of the All Blacks on a five match-winning streak, which includes back-to-back victories over Japan and Argentina, and a famous win over Springboks in Perth.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has been ruled out, after the recently announced Blues man suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks. Hooker Codie Taylor has the honours of captaining the side throughout the Bledisloe Cup series.
Wallace Sititi comes in to start at number eight, to complete a new-look back row alongside Peter Lakai and Tupou Va'ai across the flanks.
With first choice fly-half Ruben Love, and returning playmaker Richie Mo'unga also ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup series with injuries, there has been a significant re-shuffle in the 10 jersey for Auckland.
Damian McKenzie comes in to start at first five-eighth, which opens the door for Beauden Barrett to make his return to the All Blacks starting XV at full-back. Reiko Ioane is also set for his first All Blacks test of 2026, as he is named on the bench.
The Bledisloe Cup is has been held by the All Blacks since 2003. However, this incoming two-match series is by no means a foregone conclusion. Could New Zealand's incredible 53-Test match unbeaten streak come to an end this weekend?
ALL BLACKS TEAM TO FACE WALLABIES: BLEDISLOE CUP
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor (c)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett
5. Josh Lord
6. Tupou Vaa’i
7. Peter Lakai
8. Wallace Sitit
i9. Cam Roigard
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Quinn Tupaea
14. Will Jordan
15. Beauden Barrett
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua
17. George Bower
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Shannon Frizell
20. Anton Segner
21. Kyle Preston
22. Rieko Ioane
23. Josh Moorby
