McKenzie Starts at Flyhalf for First Bledisloe Test After Mo'unga Injury

The All Blacks will have a new playmaker at the wheel for Saturday's first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia. Damian McKenzie has been named to start at flyhalf at Eden Park after Richie Mo'unga was ruled out by a calf injury suffered in training on Tuesday.

It is a cruel twist for head coach Dave Rennie, whose preferred starter Ruben Love is already sidelined with an ankle problem. McKenzie, the seasoned No. 10, now gets his shot in one of rugby's fiercest rivalries, with Beauden Barrett shifting to fullback and Leroy Carter and Will Jordan on the wings.

There is better news elsewhere. Former captain Scott Barrett returns to the side for the first time since last November, partnering Josh Lord in the second row, while Quinn Tupaea is back from injury to join Jordie Barrett in the centres.

In the forwards, Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi and Peter Lakai form a new-look back row in the absence of the injured Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea, who has been ruled out for the rest of the year. Shannon Frizell returns for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final, offering back-row cover from the bench alongside Anton Segner.

The stakes are familiar and huge. New Zealand have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and have not lost a test to Australia at Eden Park since 1986, with the second test of this year's series set for Sydney on October 17.