New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has named a 34-man All Blacks squad featuring veteran recalls and enforced injuries ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies. The opening Test takes place at Eden Park in Auckland on October 10, followed by the rematch at Accor Stadium in Sydney seven days later.
Codie Taylor Takes Captaincy Amid Ardie Savea Injury Absence
With first-choice skipper Ardie Savea ruled out due to a shoulder injury, Rennie handed the leadership role to 35-year-old hooker Codie Taylor. Taylor previously captained the team in their Test against the Springboks in Baltimore. Despite questions surrounding his form during the Greatest Rivalry series that led to him being dropped for the third Test in Soweto, Taylor returned for the Baltimore fixture and is now tasked with leading the side against Australia.
Scott Barrett Returns Following Back Surgery
Scott Barrett is back in the international mix after a lengthy absence. The 32-year-old lock last played a Test against Wales at the end of 2025. His planned Super Rugby Pacific return with the Crusaders was derailed by a bulging disc that pressed against a nerve, requiring surgery that kept him out of the Nations Championship and the South African tour. Barrett made his return for Taranaki against Hawke’s Bay in the National Provincial Championship and joins a locking contingent that includes Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, and Josh Lord.
Shannon Frizell and Anton Segner Secure Recalls
Shannon Frizell returns to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France. The 32-year-old flanker has been playing for Japan Rugby League One club Toshiba Brave Lupus and recently shone for Tasman in the NPC. Meanwhile, 25-year-old back-row forward Anton Segner is recalled after re-signing with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues, and Auckland through 2031. Segner missed the remainder of the South Africa tour due to acute inflammatory arthritis in his ankle after missing out on a late withdrawal before the opening Test.
Fly-Half Selection and Ruben Love’s Injury Blow
Ruben Love misses out on selection due to an ankle ligament injury after starting New Zealand’s first six Tests of the year at fly-half. In his absence, Richie Mo’unga and Josh Jacomb are selected as the squad’s two fly-halves. Mo’unga returned to the Test arena against the Springboks in Baltimore following a three-year stint in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus. Jacomb earns another call-up after impressing on the recent tour to South Africa, remaining the only uncapped player in the squad.
Injury Toll Sidelines Multiple Senior Players
Alongside Love, Rennie must plan without several key figures sidelined by injuries. The unavailable contingent includes Ardie Savea (shoulder), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Luke Jacobson (elbow), Anton Lienert-Brown (knee), Billy Proctor (shoulder), Caleb Clarke (shoulder), and Ollie Norris (knee).
Squad Omissions Affecting Blues and Others
Blues second-row Sam Darry misses selection following his involvement in the South African tour, where he featured alongside Tuipulotu in the final Test against the Springboks. Several other players from the recent tour also drop out of the matchday mix, including Siale Lauaki, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Emoni Narawa, Bradley Slater, Jamie Hannah, Saula Ma’u, and Noah Hotham.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bledisloe Cup Squad
When and where are the Bledisloe Cup Tests taking place?
The opening Test is scheduled for October 10 at Eden Park in Auckland, with the rematch following seven days later at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Who is captaining the All Blacks in the absence of Ardie Savea?
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor assumes the captaincy role while Savea recovers from a shoulder injury.
Which players are unavailable for selection due to injury?
The injury list includes Ardie Savea, Ruben Love, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, and Ollie Norris.
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