All Blacks v Wallabies: Damian McKenzie picked at No 10 for Bledisloe Cup opener, Scott Barrett returns
Damian McKenzie has been selected as the All Blacks' first-five for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia, following an injury to Richie Mo’unga. Scott Barrett also returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a back injury.
Why it matters
The Bledisloe Cup is a premier rugby rivalry, and team selection changes are critical to the performance and tactical approach of the All Blacks.
All Blacks v Wallabies – Eden Park, 7.05pm, Saturday
Damian McKenzie has won the race to wear the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia at Eden Park.
With Richie Mo’unga joining Ruben Love on the injured list , suffering a calf injury in training, coach Dave Rennie has been forced into a backline reshuffle.
After cementing himself as the All Blacks’ first-choice fullback under Rennie, McKenzie will shift to first five for Eden Park at least, while Beauden Barrett slots in at fullback in his place.
The Eden Park test will give McKenzie another opportunity at first five, as just the 11th time in his 81-test career he’s been selected to wear the 10 jersey.
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