Rugby Championship: All Blacks roll the dice on selections at Fortress Eden Park
By
SABC Sport
25th September 2025
The All Blacks have drafted in five players who didn't feature against the Springboks for their Bledisloe Cup encounter with the Wallabies 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.
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. That sees Leroy Carter move 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 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," said Robertson.
"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."
New Zealand - 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
