New Zealand have named brothers Scott and Beauden Barrett in their starting XV for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia, giving the All Blacks a major boost of experience ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Eden Park.
Scott Barrett returns to the starting side after spending most of the year away from international rugby, while his younger brother Beauden has also been recalled to the starting lineup following an injury to fly-half Richie Mo’unga.
The selection represents a significant moment for Scott, who has not played a Test for New Zealand since November 2025. The 32-year-old lock missed much of the campaign because of a scheduled break before undergoing back surgery in May.
He had also previously served as All Blacks captain, but the leadership role has now gone to experienced hooker Codie Taylor, with Ardie Savea unavailable because of injury.
Beauden Returns to the Starting Team
Beauden Barrett will start at fullback, marking his first Test start of the year.
The 35-year-old, who has accumulated 145 Test appearances for New Zealand, was initially expected to feature further back in the squad’s attacking options. However, Mo’unga’s calf injury has forced the coaching staff to rearrange the backline.
Rather than moving Beauden into the fly-half role, coach Dave Rennie has selected Damian McKenzie at No. 10, with Barrett taking responsibility at fullback.
The change gives the All Blacks a highly experienced combination behind the scrum as they prepare for a crucial contest against the Wallabies.
Injury Problems Force Major Changes
New Zealand’s preparations have been affected by a series of injuries.
Mo’unga has been ruled out of the two-match Bledisloe Cup series with a calf problem, while his availability for the team’s November fixtures is also uncertain.
The All Blacks are already without several other key players. Savea is sidelined for the rest of the year with a shoulder injury, while Ruben Love is also unavailable after suffering an ankle problem.
Those absences have forced Rennie to make six changes to the starting lineup and two positional adjustments from the side that lost 43-28 to South Africa in Baltimore.
McKenzie Takes Over at Fly-Half
McKenzie will move from fullback to fly-half for the first time this season.
The 81-Test veteran had previously started New Zealand’s seven Tests at fullback, but he will now take charge of the No. 10 position against Australia.
The switch opens the door for Beauden Barrett to return at the back, while Cam Roigard remains at scrum-half.
Quinn Tupaea also returns in midfield after recovering from injury, joining Jordie Barrett in the centre.
Leroy Carter comes into the starting side on the wing, with Will Jordan retaining his place on the opposite flank.
Scott Barrett Back in the Pack
Scott Barrett’s return provides valuable experience to a forward pack that has undergone several changes.
He will partner Josh Lord in the second row, while Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi form the loose-forward combination.
Shannon Frizell is another notable returnee and has been included among the replacements after making his most recent Test appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The changes underline the depth of the injury crisis facing Rennie but also give several players an opportunity to establish themselves ahead of the next phase of the international calendar.
Australia Face a Formidable Challenge
The Wallabies will arrive at Eden Park facing a difficult historical record against their neighbours.
New Zealand have won their last 11 Tests against Australia and have maintained an extraordinary unbeaten run at Eden Park stretching back to 1994.
Despite that record, Rennie has stressed that the All Blacks cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
The opening Bledisloe Cup match is therefore expected to provide an important test of New Zealand’s ability to cope with injuries while maintaining their dominance in one of rugby’s most recognised rivalries.
For the Barrett brothers, meanwhile, Saturday’s match offers another opportunity to add to a remarkable family legacy in the black jersey.
With Scott returning to the second row and Beauden taking his place at fullback, New Zealand will rely heavily on their experience as they begin the Bledisloe Cup campaign.
