All Blacks name McKenzie flyhalf for Bledisloe opener

Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf for the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia at Eden Park, replacing injured Richie Mo’unga and Ruben Love. Beauden Barrett will start at fullback and provide cover at No. 10, while uncapped Josh Jacomb misses the matchday squad. Scott Barrett returns to the starting side at lock after injury, and Shannon Frizell is set for his first test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, from the bench. Quinn Tupaea also returns from injury, while absences in the loose forwards prompt changes to the starting combination.