All Blacks make three starting changes for second Bledisloe Cup test

The All Blacks named three changes to their starting side on Thursday, 15 October, for the second Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October. New Zealand has already retained the trophy after winning the first test, but injuries have reshaped its squad for the return match.

Who enters the All Blacks starting side

George Bower starts at loosehead prop in place of Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland comes in at lock for Josh Lord, and Josh Moorby replaces Leroy Carter on the left wing. Carter is unavailable with an ankle injury. The NZ Herald reports that de Groot and Lord were not selected; it also lists Kyle Preston among those left out.

Coach Dave Rennie has made eight changes to the matchday 23 from the side that beat Australia 50–19 at Eden Park, according to the NZ Herald. Only three players from that squad return among the replacements. Captain Codie Taylor remains in the starting side.

Injuries affect the bench and backline

Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua are unavailable after concussions, while Ethan Blackadder has a calf injury. Richie Mo’unga is also unavailable with a calf injury, leaving Damian McKenzie to start again at number 10. Beauden Barrett retains the fullback position. The NZ Herald additionally lists Fehi Fineanganofo as unavailable with a hamstring injury.

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima and Timoci Tavatavanawai join the replacements. Their inclusion accounts for much of the turnover in New Zealand’s matchday squad, even though the starting side has changed in only three positions.

Bledisloe Cup secured before Sydney test

New Zealand’s Eden Park victory secured the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year, Reuters reported. Rennie said in a statement that Australia would be hurting after that defeat and described playing the Wallabies before their home crowd in Sydney as a challenge.