Ardie Savea. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks v Wallabies - Bledisloe I
Kick-off: 5:05pm Saturday 27 September NZT
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Scott Robertson has been forced to replace his captain this weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park. Scott Barrett is out with a shoulder injury, with Ardie Savea set to lead the side against the Wallabies.
As expected, the now fit Cam Roigard starts at halfback with Cortez Ratima backing him up on the bench. Lock Patrick Tuipulotu also makes his return from injury to take a spot on the bench. Fabian Holland comes back in to start at lock after coming off the bench in the two tests against the Springboks, where he partners up with Tupou Vaa'i.
This means it's an unchanged loose forward trio of Savea, Wallace Sititi and Simon Parker. However, Robertson has made a change on the bench, Peter Lakai will make his first appearance of the season as loose forward reserve, taking the place of his Hurricanes teammate Du'Plessis Kirifi, who drops out of the squad.
All Blacks player Peter Lakai. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The other change to the backline is the return of Caleb Clarke to the left wing, which shifts Leroy Carter over to the right while Will Jordan moves back to fullback. Billy Proctor remains at centre, with Rieko Ioane once again left out of the match day squad.
Ethan de Groot retains his starting spot at loosehead, with Tamaiti Williams on the bench. Tyrel Lomax starts at tighthead, with Codie Taylor unsurprisingly going straight back into the starting side after an HIA stand down.
"With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup," said Robertson.
"There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening."
The All Blacks are coming off their heaviest ever loss, a 43-10 hiding against the Springboks in Wellington, however, are returning to a ground they famously have not lost at since 1994. The Wallabies have not won there since 1986 or have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.
Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt names his side at 3:30pm this afternoon.
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