McKenzie starts at fly-half as Barrett brothers return for Australia Test

Damian McKenzie will start at fly-half for New Zealand against Australia on Saturday, with Scott and Beauden Barrett returning to the starting side for the Bledisloe Cup opener.

Richie Mo’unga is unavailable through injury, while McKenzie moves from full-back to partner scrum-half Cam Roigard at Eden Park.

Beauden Barrett takes the number 15 shirt, with Scott joining Josh Lord in the second row. Their brother Jordie starts alongside Quinn Tupaea in midfield.

The match kicks off at 7.10am BST on Saturday 10 October.

All Blacks team includes returning experience

Codie Taylor captains Dave Rennie’s side from hooker, with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell completing the front row.

Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi form the back row. Leroy Carter and Will Jordan start on the wings.

The team announcement, carried by Rugby Heartland, also confirms Shannon Frizell among the replacements.

Rieko Ioane provides another experienced option from the bench.

Australia are seeking their first victory at Eden Park since 1986 as they begin their latest attempt to reclaim a trophy New Zealand have held since 2003.

Rennie’s meeting with his former team adds another dimension to Australia’s Bledisloe Cup challenge.

New Zealand starting XV

Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor (captain), Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.

Replacements: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby.