Bledisloe Cup: Big names return for All Blacks as Mo'unga seizes control

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his squad for the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies.

Codie Taylor will be the captain as New Zealand have retained 31 of the players who were named in the original 44-man squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, as well as Richie Mo’unga, who joined the squad in South Africa as an injury replacement

Scott Barrett returns from injury to join the squad, and Shannon Frizell will re-join the squad after returning from Japan and re-signing with New Zealand Rugby earlier this year.

Scott returns after a long stretch on the sidelines that included a sabbatical and back surgery, following his return to the NPC with Taranaki. Frizell makes his return for the first time since 2023, having returned to New Zealand this year and appearing for Tasman in the NPC.

Flyhalf Josh Jacomb, who played two franchise games during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, is the only member of the squad yet to earn a Test cap.

Fellow flyhalves Ruben Love and lock Patrick Tuipulotu have joined the list of players unavailable due to injury; Love due to an ankle ligament injury and Tuipulotu with a calf strain.

Rennie said the three Nations Championship Tests at home and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour had given a large number of players valuable experience that would be vital for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup challenge.

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour was great for us. We’ve learnt a lot about our game and about ourselves, and it gave a lot of guys valuable time in the jersey. Plenty of them put their hands up, and every player selected fully deserves their place.

“It’s great to welcome back Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell. Scott has had a challenging stretch on the sidelines, and we’re thrilled to have his experience and leadership back in the group. Shannon brings plenty of Test experience and physical impact to our loose forwards.

“Congratulations also to Codie Taylor on the captaincy. Codie is a top man who has huge mana. His leadership as Tour Captain was important for us during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so we know he will do an outstanding job in Ardie’s absence.

“The Bledisloe Cup means a huge amount to this team. We’ve held it since 2003, and we don’t take that for granted. Australia will be a real challenge. It’s now a very experienced Wallabies side who have played a lot of Test footy together. After eight games on the road, we’re excited to start this series in front of our home crowd at Eden Park,” Rennie said.

Taylor said he was humbled to be asked to captain the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup.

“To lead this team is a massive honour, and I know I’m lucky to have a lot of good leaders around me who make that job easier. A special thank you also to my whānau for their support; none of this would be possible without them.

“Ardie has done an outstanding job for us this year, and we’re all gutted he’s not with us. We’ll be doing everything we can to make him proud.

“This group is hungry to show what we’ve learned so far this year. The Bledisloe Cup means a lot to every player in this squad, and there’s nothing better than running out at Eden Park in front of a home crowd,” Taylor said.

The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on Sunday ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup Test.

New Zealand squad:

Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo’unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.