THREE BLUES NAMED FOR BLEDISLOE OPENER

Beauden Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu and Caleb Clarke have been named for the All Blacks Test against Australia at Eden Park.

Five players who weren’t involved in the two Tests against the Springboks enter the 23 this week, as the All Blacks take on Australia in the final two rounds of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests. 

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.

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.

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.

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.”

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)

1. Ethan de Groot (36)  
2. Codie Taylor (101) (Vice-Captain)
3. Tyrel Lomax (47) 
4. Fabian Holland (7) 
5. Tupou Vaa’i (44) 
6. Simon Parker (3) 
7. Ardie Savea (101) (Captain)  
8. Wallace Sititi (13) 
9. Cam Roigard (12) 
10. Beauden Barrett (140)  
11. Caleb Clarke (29)
12. Jordie Barrett (75) (Vice-Captain)  
13. Billy Proctor (8)  
14. Leroy Carter (1) 
15. Will Jordan (48) 

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (37) 
17. Tamaiti Williams (21) 
18. Fletcher Newell (29) 
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (54) 
20. Peter Lakai (3) 
21. Cortez Ratima (16) 
22. Quinn Tupaea (19) 
23. Damian McKenzie (68)