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For the first time in 2024, the All Blacks will have a new No.10. With the Bledisloe Cup wrapped, Scott Robertson has restored the former Hurricanes halves partners Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara.
Whether or not Robertson’s patience has run out with Damian McKenzie remains to be seen, but the Chiefs playmaker will come off the bench with Barrett returning to the No.10 jersey for the first time in almost two years.
Barrett missed the 31-28 win in Sydney because of sickness.
Without his cool head on the field, McKenzie had a roller-coaster ride calling the shots helping the All Blacks race out to a massive 21-0 lead after 15 minutes before blowing several chances over the final 50 minutes. His inability to make the final pass almost came back to bite the All Blacks, who managed to hold off a fast-finishing Wallabies side.
Beauden Barrett will partner TJ Perenara in the halves to take on the Wallabies in Wellington in the second Bledisloe Test. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
In total there are two changes to the side, with Anton Lienert-Brown promoted from the bench to fill the void left by the injured Jordie Barrett. David Havili, the versatile Crusaders back, has been brought onto the bench as cover.
He’s not the only experienced player returning, with Patrick Tuipulotu replacing Sam Darry.
More to come.
All Blacks: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili
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