The All Blacks have suffered a late injury blow ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia, with Jordie Barrett ruled out of Saturday's Test in Sydney.
The 86-cap midfielder has failed to recover from a calf problem suffered during New Zealand's 50-19 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Barrett experienced tightness during that match, and the issue has not settled enough for him to feature at Accor Stadium.
His withdrawal has forced head coach Dave Rennie into another late reshuffle.
Timoci Tavatavanawai has been promoted to the starting XV, while Chay Fihaki comes onto the bench and could make his Test debut.
All Blacks forced into late change
Barrett's absence adds to New Zealand's growing injury problems ahead of their second meeting with Australia in successive weekends.
Leroy Carter, Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua were already unavailable following the first Bledisloe Cup Test.
Ethan Blackadder, Richie Mo'unga and Fehi Fineanganofo are also sidelined.
Speaking when the original team was announced, Rennie stressed the importance of building on last weekend's impressive performance.
“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line. We put in a performance befitting the occasion.”
He added: “Now we need to back that performance up.”
The All Blacks' official team announcement had already confirmed several changes before Barrett's withdrawal.
All Blacks updated starting XV vs Australia
Saturday, 17 October 2026 – Accor Stadium, Sydney
15 – Beauden Barrett
14 – Will Jordan
13 – Quinn Tupaea
12 – Timoci Tavatavanawai
11 – Josh Moorby
10 – Damian McKenzie
9 – Cam Roigard
8 – Wallace Sititi
7 – Peter Lakai
6 – Tupou Vaa'i
5 – Fabian Holland
4 – Scott Barrett
3 – Fletcher Newell
2 – Codie Taylor (captain)
1 – George Bower
Replacements
16 – Samisoni Taukei'aho
17 – Xavier Numia
18 – Pasilio Tosi
19 – Shannon Frizell
20 – Du'Plessis Kirifi
21 – Cortez Ratima
22 – Chay Fihaki
23 – Rieko Ioane
Australia starting XV vs New Zealand
15 – Tom Wright
14 – Max Jorgensen
13 – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
12 – Isaac Henry
11 – Harry Potter
10 – Declan Meredith
9 – Ryan Lonergan
8 – Harry Wilson (captain)
7 – Fraser McReight
6 – Rob Valetini
5 – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
4 – Jeremy Williams
3 – Allan Alaalatoa
2 – Josh Nasser
1 – Aidan Ross
Replacements
16 – Billy Pollard
17 – Angus Bell
18 – Massimo De Lutiis
19 – Josh Canham
20 – Carlo Tizzano
21 – Kalani Thomas
22 – Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23 – Filipo Dau
Be the boss: Pick your All Blacks XV:
When is Australia vs New Zealand?
The second Bledisloe Cup Test takes place on Saturday, 17 October, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6am UK time, with Sky Sports broadcasting the match.
New Zealand have already retained the Bledisloe Cup following their convincing victory at Eden Park.
However, the Wallabies will be desperate to respond in front of their home supporters.
