No room for disgraced Cruden
New Zealand made five changes to the starting line-up for the third Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia, but could find no room for disgraced flyhalf Aaron Cruden.
Coach Steve Hansen bolstered the pack following a 25-27 loss to South Africa that ended a 22-match unbeaten run and also called up Cory Jane on the wing to allow Ben Smith a break after a busy season.
However, Cruden's omission was a major surprise, with Beauden Barrett retaining his starting spot in the No.10 jersey and Colin Slade providing cover from the bench.
Cruden was dropped for two Tests after he had too much to drink during a night out in Auckland and missed the All Blacks' flight to South America for a match against Argentina.
Team management earlier this month emphasised Cruden had served his penance and would be eligible to face the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.
The fact that he could not even make the bench raises questions about whether he has been relegated in the All Blacks' pecking order, after a long stint as the preferred choice during injury-prone star pivot Dan Carter's frequent bouts on the sideline.
Hansen made no mention of Cruden's snub in a statement announcing the team but said the All Blacks were smarting after the South Africa defeat and determined to make amends against the Wallabies.
"There were some aspects of our game in the loss to South Africa that we weren't happy with and we have worked hard on addressing those this week," he said.
"There is a real sense of determination in the team this week to prepare well and put in a quality performance on the weekend.
"There is always an expectation that when you pull on the All Blacks jersey, that individually and collectively as a team, you will play well and this week is no different."
He made two changes to the front row, with Wyatt Crockett replacing Joe Moody at loosehead prop and Dane Coles taking over as hooker from Keven Mealamu.
Lock Brodie Retallick returns after missing the game against the Springboks with concussion, while Liam Messam replaces Jerome Kaino at blindside flank.
New Zealand have already retained the Bledisloe Cup after drawing 12-12 with the Wallabies in Sydney, then thrashing them 51-20 in Auckland.
The backline features just one change – Jane coming in for Smith on the right wing.
On the replacement bench Patrick Tuipulotu has been named to cover lock, Sam Cane comes in as loose forward cover, TJ Perenara is reserve scrumhalf and Charles Piutau comes in to cover the outside backs.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charles Piutau.
Date: Saturday, October 18
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.00 (09.00 GMT; 20.00 AEDT; 22.00 NZ time)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
