All Blacks changes, afternoon kickoff Eden Park
- Dave Worsley
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Five players have been bought in to face Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park on Saturday.
Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima have both returned from injury to share halfback duties, while lock Patrick Tuipulotu also makes his return from injury to take a spot on the bench for the 5.05pm kickoff.
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Caleb Clarke will start on the left wing for his first All Blacks game of the season, after injuring his ankle ahead of the second Test of the July series.
Leroy Carter moves to the right wing for his second All Blacks Test; Will Jordan shifts to fullback and Damian McKenzie fills the backline impact role.
Loose forward Peter Lakai will also wear the black jersey for the first time in 2025, earning a place in the reserves.
A shoulder injury to Scott Barrett has ruled him out for this match, however he is expected to be fit for the following Bledisloe Cup match in Perth. Fabian Holland will take the number four jersey, partnering with Tupou Vaa’i at lock.
Codie Taylor returns as starting hooker this week, with Samisoni Taukei’aho in support from the bench.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team was looking forward to returning to Eden Park, with both Rugby Championship points and the Bledisloe Cup to play for.
“With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening.”
It is the 180th test between NZ and Australia, with New Zealand winning 126 – the most tests between any international opponents.
The two sides have met 33 times at Eden Park, with the All Blacks securing 29 wins while the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003, with 22 straight series wins.
Australia’s last win in a Bledisloe Cup match was 7 November 2020 in Brisbane (24-22).
All Blacks: Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea (captain), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie
