Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekendHolland returns as Rennie overhauls bench for Bledisloe II
Sport Nation • October 15th, 2026 2:00 pm
Fabian Holland | Photo: Photosport
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made eight changes to the 23-man squad for the second Bledisloe Cup Test match in Sydney this Saturday.
Rennie's side have already clinched the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive season as they travel to Sydney in search of another season sweep against the Wallabies.
The All Blacks will be captained once again by Codie Taylor, who is joined by Crusaders teammates George Bower and Fletcher Newell. Bower returns to the starting lineup in place of Ethan de Groot, who is out of the 23 man squad completely.
Veteran lock Scott Barrett retains his spot in the second row, while Dutch-born Highlanders lock Fabian Holland makes his return to the starting lineup after being left out of the squad at Eden Park.
Rennie has opted for continuity in the back row, naming Tupou Vaa'i, Peter Lakai, and Wallace Sititi.
Why the All Blacks selectors need to become more "ruthless" | The Rugby Run
The backline is unchanged, apart from Josh Moorby being elevated from the bench due to Leroy Carter's nasty ankle injury from last week's 50-19 victory over the Wallabies.
The bench is where most of the changes come, with Xavier Numia, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, and Timoci Tavatavanawai all getting a shot.
Returning Tasman loose forward Shannon Frizell will continue off the bench, as does 90-Test outside back Rieko Ioane.
“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line. We put in a performance befitting the occasion,” Rennie said.
“Now we need to back that performance up.
“The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week. It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
All Blacks matchday 23 vs Wallabies:
1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (captain), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Josh Moorby, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Rieko Ioane.
Unavailable due to injury: Leroy Carter (ankle), Anton Segner (concussion), Asafo Aumua (concussion), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Richie Mo’unga (calf), Fehi Fineanganofo (hamstring).
