All Blacks squad naming: Scott Robertson makes three changes to backline to face Australia in Wellington
Scott Robertson has made three changes to the backline for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington with Sam Cane to play his 100th test for the All Blacks.
Cane and TJ Perenara will both start in their final tests on home soil, with the former skipper becoming the 13th All Black to mark 100 tests. Beauden Barrett will start in the No 10 jersey, replacing Damian McKenzie, who moves to the bench. In other backline changes, Anton Lienert-Brown replaces the injured Jordie Barrett at second five-eighths with halfback Perenara starting over Cortez Ratima.
“This will be a particularly special night for Sam and TJ and the boys will put in a performance that honours their contribution to this team. Sam will be joining an exclusive club of All Black[s] centurions, which is testament to his fortitude and work ethic,” Robertson said.
“As a Wellington man and the most-capped Hurricane of all time, we know that TJ is a crowd favourite in the capital and we look forward to him expressing himself on the field in front of friends and whānau at home.”
On the bench, Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu returns while David Havili replaces Harry Plummer, who was a late replacement in Sydney.
McKenzie has started every test this season and Robertson said he can play a key role from the bench.
“Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the backline. We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington,” Robertson said.
The All Blacks have struggled in the final 20 minutes across the Rugby Championship campaign and Robertson has named a mix of experience on the bench to help rectify that.
When asked if he feels the All Blacks are close to clicking, the coach affirmed his position that his side could have won each of his tests in charge so far, but did acknowledge there still is some learning and application of what is learned that needs to happen.
“We’ve had opportunities to win every game and we haven’t,” Robertson added.
Cameron McMillan
Perenara on the number of options at nine
Cameron McMillan
"Tez [Cortez Ratima] played really well last week and he's played well all year. We've got some very good young nines coming through New Zealand rugby. Cam Roigard is close to be playing as well and we all know what he's done in this jersey and the Hurricanes jersey... and then you've got Noah [Hotham] there as well. And then a few others unlucky not to be in this team as well in Finlay [Christie] and Folau [Fakatava]. Just shows the quality of nines we have."
Perenara on playing with Beauden at 10
Cameron McMillan
"It will be cool. When they named the team the other day and I saw Baz named at 10. We've played a lot of games at 9-10 for the Hurricanes, a lot in this stadium together. To be able to go out there with my bro at 10 is something I'm excited for and something I'll cherish."
TJ Perenara
Cameron McMillan
On regrets leaving to play overseas: "No, not at this stage. When you look back on your career later on, you might have some, you might not. Content with my decision. Looking forward to playing this game and whatever the rest of the year holds."
Beauden Barrett at 10
Cameron McMillan
"He's a great conductor, he'll get you around the field," says Robertson of what Beauden Barrett will offer in the No 10 jersey in Wellington.
Close to clicking
Cameron McMillan
When asked if he feels the All Blacks are close to clicking, Robertson affirms his position that his side could have won each of his tests in charge so far. But did acknowledge there still is some learning and application of what is learned that needs to happen.
The return of Leicester Fainga'anuku
Cameron McMillan
With the Crusaders confirming the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku in 2026, Robertson said he had some discussions with his former player but stopped short of saying he would be an automatic inclusion back into the national side.
Why no Mark Tele'a
Cameron McMillan
Mark Tele'a has been left out of the last two All Blacks match-day squads after beginning his career as the primary wing option, "It's just a call we've made" says Robertson. "He'll get another crack".
Why no Ethan Blackadder
Cameron McMillan
Ethan Blackadder was fit enough to play had he been required, yet Robertson and his staff felt another week to fully recover from his hamstring was best for his career long term.
Cameron McMillan
"We've had opportunities to win every game and we haven't" – Robertson on the All Blacks not retaining the Rugby Championship since 2019.
Cameron McMillan
Sir Wayne Smith has been with the All Blacks this week in an 'observation' capacity, although Robertson noted that 'The Professor' had been sending text messages with his thoughts since Sunday.
Why no Billy Proctor in squad
Cameron McMillan
Billy Proctor has not been seen in an All Blacks team list since his impressive debut against Fiji. Robertson said it was a question of requiring specialist 12 cover that meant he couldn't name the Hurricane for Saturday.
Impact from the bench
Cameron McMillan
Damian McKenzie can 'come on and be DMac' from the bench, says Robertson as he is another late weapon for the All Blacks.
'A wily old fox'
Cameron McMillan
'A wily old fox' is how Robertson described what Patrick Tuipulotu can bring to the All Blacks from the bench as he returns to the 23 following injury.
Cameron McMillan
"We always planned to give Beauden a go. You have to. He's [McKenzie] has started every game until now and has shown great form. We've got to give opportunities and build depth in our team," Robertson said.
"It's a nice chance for Beauden to play outside TJ. They've got a good combination together. They've played a lot of games together at the Cake Tin so it lines up nicely."
Focus on the last 20
Cameron McMillan
The All Blacks have struggled in the final 20 minutes of each test under Robertson. He said discussions around accuracy and solutions have been a part of training this week to address those concerns.
Scott Robertson begins his press conference
Cameron McMillan
On the halfback/first-five combination. Robertson said the experience that Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara share together gives him confidence they'll perform in Wellington.
'Put in a complete performance'
Cameron McMillan
Scott Robertson really wants to avoid another dead final 20 minutes.
Listen live
Cameron McMillan
A reminder. Live commentary of Saturday's test will be on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. You can catch the live match blog here at nzherald.co.nz.
TJ Perenara to make 27th start
Cameron McMillan
Perenara playing in this 87th test, but just his 27th start. It will be his ninth test at Wellington. He hasn't scored for the All Blacks since 2021 against Wales.
All Blacks bomb squad (Manu mob?)
Cameron McMillan
Tosi gets the nod for a second hit on the bench. Patrick Tuipulotu brings the experience for the lineouts late in the test while Luke Jacobson beats out Dalton Papali'i and Ethan Blackadder. If Razor wanted to really match the South African style bench, he would replace Havili with another loose forward.
McKenzie does bring a certain impact off the bench with potential line breaks against tired legs.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (13) 17. Tamaiti Williams (13) 18. Pasilio Tosi (2) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (45) 20. Luke Jacobson (23) 21. Cortez Ratima (7) 22. Damian McKenzie (55) 23. David Havili (27).
Total minutes this season
Cameron McMillan
Ardie Savea 615
Damian McKenzie 611
Jordie Barrett 529
Tupou Vaa'i 483
Scott Barrett 480
Changes to the backline
Cameron McMillan
As reported by the Herald yesterday, Beauden Barrett starts at 10, with Damian McKenzie moving to the bench.
TJ Perenara starts his final test in New Zealand at his home ground, while Anton Lienert-Brown starts at 12 for the injured Jordie Barrett.
On the bench, Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu returns while David Havili replaces Harry Plummer, who was a late replacement in Sydney.
Closer look at the pack
Cameron McMillan
So Ardie Savea will start his ninth straight test this year, the only All Black to do so with McKenzie moving to the bench.
Codie Taylor makes his eighth start, missing the Fiji test.
Razor has his favoured unchanged pack with de Groot retaining the openside spot alongside Lomax who starts his eighth test this year.
Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i team up in the locks for the fifth time this season. It's the third straight test for the loose forward combination of Cane-Sititi-Savea.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson
Cameron McMillan
“This will be a particularly special night for Sam and TJ and the boys will put in a performance that honours their contribution to this team. Sam will be joining an exclusive club of All Black centurions, which is testament to his fortitude and work ethic.
"As a Wellington man and the most-capped Hurricane of all time, we know that TJ is a crowd favourite in the capital and we look forward to him expressing himself on the field in front of friends and whānau at home.”
“Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the back line. We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington.”
The team
Cameron McMillan
Loose forward Sam Cane will play his 100th All Blacks test in front of a sold-out crowd at Sky Stadium this Saturday night. For both Cane and starting halfback TJ Perenara, this will also be the final test they will play in New Zealand before they begin their contracts in Japan in 2025.
The only change to the forwards that faced Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup test last weekend is on the bench, where Patrick Tuipulotu returns for his first test since playing England at Eden Park in mid-July.
There are three changes to the back line that started against Australia last week. Perenara starts at halfback with Cortez Ratima providing cover; Beauden Barrett returns to start at first five; and Anton Lienert-Brown will play 12.
All Blacks squad
1. Ethan de Groot (27) 2. Codie Taylor (92) (vice-captain) 3. Tyrel Lomax (39) 4. Scott Barrett (75) (captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (33) 6. Wallace Sititi (4) 7. Sam Cane (99) 8. Ardie Savea (89) (vice-captain) 9. TJ Perenara (86) 10. Beauden Barrett (130) 11. Caleb Clarke (24) 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (78) 13. Rieko Ioane (76) 14. Sevu Reece (29) 15. Will Jordan (36).
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (13) 17. Tamaiti Williams (13) 18. Pasilio Tosi (2) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (45) 20. Luke Jacobson (23) 21. Cortez Ratima (7) 22. Damian McKenzie (55) 23. David Havili (27).
Unavailable due to injury: Jordie Barrett (knee), Fletcher Newell (calf), Ruben Love (quadricep).
All Blacks team to face Australia
Cameron McMillan
1. Ethan de Groot (27) 2. Codie Taylor (92) (vice-captain) 3. Tyrel Lomax (39) 4. Scott Barrett (75) (captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (33) 6. Wallace Sititi (4) 7. Sam Cane (99) 8. Ardie Savea (89) (vice-captain) 9. TJ Perenara (86) 10. Beauden Barrett (130) 11. Caleb Clarke (24) 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (78) 13. Rieko Ioane (76) 14. Sevu Reece (29) 15. Will Jordan (36).
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (13) 17. Tamaiti Williams (13) 18. Pasilio Tosi (2) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (45) 20. Luke Jacobson (23) 21. Cortez Ratima (7) 22. Damian McKenzie (55) 23. David Havili (27).
Cameron McMillan
Beauden Barrett has 156 career points against Australia, three shy of Grant Fox in third place. Dan Carter's mark of 366 is still some way off.
Barrett also shares the record for most tries against the Wallabies with 11, tied with Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw and Rieko Ioane.
Goalkicking query
Cameron McMillan
If Beauden Barrett starts this weekend, the assumption is he will take the goalkicking duties. He last landed one against Uruguay at last year's World Cup and hasn't gone back-to-back tests as the main kicker since 2021. His last penalty was 11 test appearances ago – 2021 v Argentina.
You could argue McKenzie's five from five last week won the test for the All Blacks.
Team naming in 20 minutes
Cameron McMillan
Not long to go now before the 23-man squad is revealed.
All Blacks day off
Cameron McMillan
Jordie Barrett may be injured but he still provided great coverage of the All Blacks golf day yesterday via his Instagram account @justballstriking.
Sam Darry getting the big matchplay win over Beauden Barrett.
The most boring Bledisloe Cup test of all time
Cameron McMillan
Many of the past encounters between the All Blacks and Wallabies have been classic matches. The Sydney clash in 2000 when Jonah Lomu scored in the final seconds, John Eales' winning penalty kick three weeks later at Westpac Stadium and the 2017 thriller in Dunedin to name just a few.
But let me take you back to the 1991 test at Eden Park. All Blacks 6, Wallabies 3.
The next All Blacks 7
Cameron McMillan
How Scott Robertson lost control of the Damian McKenzie narrative – Gregor Paul
Cameron McMillan
"The spectre of Richie Mo’unga has hung over much of this year already – with Robertson having never hidden his desire to force a change in eligibility rules to be able to pick overseas players, and New Zealand Rugby itself also revealing it is trying to persuade the former Crusader to cut short his three-year contract in Japan."
Cameron McMillan
"When you’ve had a steady diet of Dan Carter – still the best all-round rugby player these eyes have ever seen – Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett all delivering the goods at first five, it’s all too easy to surmise that those who follow at 10 may not have quite the same talent."
The 2000 test in Wellington
Cameron McMillan
The famous moment when John Eales kicked Australia to a 24-23 victory at the Cake Tin in 2000, as the Wallabies secured the Bledisloe Cup in the final play of the test.
Australia's record in Wellington
Cameron McMillan
Australia have played the All Blacks six times at Sky Stadium, their only win coming in the 2000 test when John Eales kicked a late winning penalty. They drew the last encounter 16-16 in 2020. Australia do have two other victories at Sky Stadium, both at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, beating USA 67-5 and a quarter-final win over South Africa 11-9.
Australia also have victories over the All Blacks at Athletic Park in 1949, 1964, 1982, 1986 and 1990.
All Blacks' recent record in Wellington
Cameron McMillan
Sky Stadium has not been a great venue for the All Blacks of late. They’ve had one win in their past seven tests in Wellington, going back to the 2017 British and Irish Lions series. The last time Australia visited, the Wallabies left with a 16-16 draw after Jordie Barrett nailed a 79th-minute penalty to earn a face-saving result. The All Blacks’ last two tests in the capital have resulted in a 10-point defeat and an eight-point loss. Ouch.
Since 2017
Lions 24 All Blacks 21, 2017
All Blacks 26 France 13, 2018
South Africa 36 All Blacks 34, 2018
All Blacks 16 South Africa 16, 2019
All Blacks 16 Australia 16, 2020
Ireland 32 All Blacks 22, 2022
Argentina 38 All Blacks 30, 2024
Beauden Barrett vs Australia
Cameron McMillan
According to Rugby Database, Beauden Barrett has played Australia 26 times. 22 wins, one draw, three defeats.
Barrett has scored 11 tries against the Wallabies
Cameron McMillan
Barrett will be set for test cap number 131, moving into a share of 10th on the all-time list with Irish prop Cian Healy.
Beauden Barrett at 10
Cameron McMillan
The Herald's Liam Napier reported yesterday that Beauden Barrett will play at first-five on Saturday. It could be more about Damian McKenzie being rested after starting every test at 10 this season and Barrett needs reps before the end-of-year tour.
Leicester Fainga’anuku returning to NZ
Cameron McMillan
As part of the All Blacks comings and goings. Sam Cane and TJ Perenara are set to play their final tests in New Zealand - winger Leicester Fainga’anuku is returning to Super Rugby in 2026. The Crusaders shared a post on Instagram this morning.
Fainga’anuku's current deal is an 18-month contract with Toulon which ends next June, so he could play for the All Blacks in 2025.
Sam Cane's first player rating in the Herald
Cameron McMillan
Sam Cane 8
A major contributor to setting the platform early on – the heir to McCaw's openside jersey has arrived. Has the heart and power for tests. – Chris Rattue
Cameron McMillan
Former NZME rugby editor Patrick McKendry called it pretty well at the time:
"Cane is still only 20 but has the strength and steely attitude of a more mature player. He is set for a long test career as long as he stays healthy in the physically demanding position."
How the Herald reported Sam Cane's debut
Cameron McMillan
18/6/2012 - Wynne Gray
Sam Cane was wandering around the All Blacks dressing room about to resume his sideline seat when he got his test call-up.
Team doctor Deb Robinson signalled No 8 Kieran Read could not continue and Cane was called into action.
"Sam, you're in," coach Steve Hansen told him.
"Right now?" the 20-year-old flanker inquired. Cane got the affirmative, shed his jacket and ran into test rugby for the first time.
He was pleased he did not have too much time to think about his debut.
"Any way is a good way," he said later after a debut watched by his parents, younger sisters, aunts, uncles and his girlfriend.
His jersey would go to his parents and he had managed to see his mum not long after the match.
Cane had an early carry to feel the physical crunch of the Irish and then went to work as the All Blacks tried to shake off the visitors.
Like most after their test debut, Cane marvelled at the speed of the match and the levels of commitment.
"It was quick and I can remember it and I'll reflect on it tonight and have a look at the video tomorrow," the 20-year-old said.
"When the ball's in play it is a quick game and the forwards, particularly, are always working hard because of the conditions.
"Ireland showed what a week's difference can make, eh? That probably comes down to a bit of attitude on both parts. They were up and we may have been a little bit off the pace but they were tough, it was physical but it was awesome.''
Cane was at the bottom of a ruck when Daniel Carter landed his winning dropped goal. He never felt the All Blacks would lose and was impressed by the composure from players like Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Carter.
Cameron McMillan
Next to 100
Cameron McMillan
The All Blacks have six tests to play in the 2014 season, with 14 tests down for this calendar year. So we could see two more names join the list next season.
Codie Taylor 91
Ardie Savea 88
Anton Lienert-Brown 77
Rieko Ioane 75
Scott Barrett 74
All Blacks to play 100 tests
Cameron McMillan
Sam Whitelock 153
Richie McCaw 148
Keven Mealamu 132
Beauden Barrett 130
Kieran Read 127
Aaron Smith 125
Tony Woodcock 118
Dan Carter 112
Brodie Retallick 109
Owen Franks 108
Ma’a Nonu 103
Mils Muliaina 100
All Blacks to play 100 tests
Cameron McMillan
Sam Cane will become the 13th All Black to reach 100 tests.
Richie McCaw became the first All Black to reach the 100-test achievement, playing his 100th against France in a pool match at the 2011 World Cup. At the time he was the 19th player in world rugby to reach the milestone, Mils Muliaina did it two weeks later against Argentina.
Frenchman Philippe Sella became the first male player to reach the 100-test milestone in 1994 against the All Blacks, a shocking 22-8 victory at Lancaster Park.
Since then 92 men have hit the 100 mark. With Cane to be the 93rd.
Sam Cane to bring up 100 tests
Cameron McMillan
One name we can almost certainly expect, unless he has suffered a training injury, is Sam Cane to play his 100th test and last on New Zealand soil.
TJ Perenara is also set to play his final test in New Zealand.
All Blacks v Australia history
Played 177
All Blacks won 124
Australia 45
Drawn 8
All Blacks points 3959
Australia points 2591
The All Blacks have won eight straight against the Wallabies, their last defeat back in 2020. New Zealand’s longest winning streak against Australia is 10.
All Blacks’ recent record in Wellington
Sky Stadium has not been a great venue for the All Blacks of late. They’ve had one win in their past seven tests in Wellington, going back to the 2017 British and Irish Lions series. The last time Australia visited, the Wallabies left with a 16-16 draw after Jordie Barrett nailed a 79th-minute penalty to earn a face-saving result. The All Blacks’ last two tests in the capital have resulted in a 10-point defeat and an eight-point loss. Ouch.
Since 2017
Lions 24 All Blacks 21, 2017
All Blacks 26 France 13, 2018
South Africa 36 All Blacks 34, 2018
All Blacks 16 South Africa 16, 2019
All Blacks 16 Australia 16, 2020
Ireland 32 All Blacks 22, 2022
Argentina 38 All Blacks 30, 2024
Australia have played the All Blacks six times at Sky Stadium, their only win coming in the 2000 test when John Eales kicked a late winning penalty. They drew the last encounter 16-16 in 2020. Australia do have two other victories at Sky Stadium, both at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, beating USA 67-5 and a quarter-final win over South Africa 11-9.
Australia also have victories over the All Blacks at Athletic Park in 1949, 1964, 1982, 1986 and 1990.
All Blacks v Australia line-ups
All Blacks
1. Ethan de Groot (27) 2. Codie Taylor (92) (vice-captain) 3. Tyrel Lomax (39) 4. Scott Barrett (75) (captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (33) 6. Wallace Sititi (4) 7. Sam Cane (99) 8. Ardie Savea (89) (vice-captain) 9. TJ Perenara (86) 10. Beauden Barrett (130) 11. Caleb Clarke (24) 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (78) 13. Rieko Ioane (76) 14. Sevu Reece (29) 15. Will Jordan (36).
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (13) 17. Tamaiti Williams (13) 18. Pasilio Tosi (2) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (45) 20. Luke Jacobson (23) 21. Cortez Ratima (7) 22. Damian McKenzie (55) 23. David Havili (27).
Australia
Named Thursday
Sam Cane to join All Blacks’ 100 club
The All Blacks No 7 is set to reach 100 tests when he takes the field in Wellington on Saturday. Cane has made 76 international starts, with 23 appearances off the bench. He has already reached 100 games for the All Blacks as he played the Barbarians in 2017. Cane made his debut against Ireland in 2012, a 22-19 win in Christchurch. He didn’t lose a test until his 23rd match for New Zealands.
The only top-tier team Sam Cane has never beaten is England. Amazingly, of his 99 tests, Cane has only played England once, which was the 2019 semifinal defeat.
List of teams Sam Cane has played
Australia (24), Argentina (17), South Africa (16), Ireland (9), France (8), Wales (5), Italy (4), British and Irish Lions (3), Japan (2), Scotland (2), Namibia (2), United States (2), England (1) Tonga (1), Samoa (1), Barbarians (1), Georgia (1), Uruguay (1).
All Blacks to play 100 tests
Sam Whitelock 153
Richie McCaw 148
Keven Mealamu 132
Beauden Barrett 130
Kieran Read 127
Aaron Smith 125
Tony Woodcock 118
Dan Carter 112
Brodie Retallick 109
Owen Franks 108
Ma’a Nonu 103
Mils Muliaina 100
All Blacks v Australia form guide (last five tests)
All Blacks: W, L, L, W, L
Australia: L, L, W, L, L
All Blacks v Australia referee
Nika Amashukeli of Georgia will be in control of the second Bledisloe Cup test. He’s been in charge of the All Blacks’ three tests previously including Argentina’s 25-18 defeat in Christchurch two years ago. Amashukeli was referee of the All Blacks’ first test this season, a 16-15 win over England in Dunedin. Australia are 2-0 in games with Amashukeli in charge.
All Blacks v Australia TAB odds
All Blacks: $1.06 Draw: $26 Australia: $7
All Blacks v Australia - how to follow the action
For live commentary of All Blacks v Australia, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.
The Alternative Commentary Collective will have live commentary from James McOnie & Tony Lyall from 7pm on Sky Sport 9 and iHeartRadio.
You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and it will be livestreaming on Sky Sport Now.
You can also find live updates at nzherald.co.nz.