McKenzie benched as All Blacks name team to play the Wallabies

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and his staff have named his team to play the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Test at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

The headline change is Beauden Barrett returning to the line up to start at first five-eighth after missing last week’s Test with illness.

McKenzie has been moved to the bench in the No 22 jersey, alongside utility David Havili who has been named for his first All Blacks appearance of 2024 in the No 23 jersey.

Fixture

Rugby Championship

New Zealand

33 - 13

Full-time

Australia

All Stats and Data

Barrett will partner long-time teammate TJ Perenara, who moves back into the starting side with Cortez Ratima swapping roles.

It will be Perenara’s last home Test as an All Black having confirmed a move to Japan in 2025.

In the midfield Anton Lienert-Brown has been named alongside Rieko Ioane to replace the injured Jordie Barrett at second-five eighth.

Also returning to the All Blacks is Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who has been named as the reserve lock replacing Sam Darry.

The starting forward pack otherwise remains unchanged, with the same 8 as in Sydney, with openside Sam Cane set to play his 100th for the All Blacks and become the 13th player to reach the milestone for the team.

Robertson explained the changes and expressed excitement for TJ Perenara and Sam Cane.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

30

20

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

“This will be a particularly special night for Sam and TJ and the boys will put in a performance that honours their contribution to this team. Sam will be joining an exclusive club of All Black centurions, which is testament to his fortitude and work ethic,” Robertson said.

“As a Wellington man and the most-capped Hurricane of all time, we know that TJ is a crowd favourite in the capital and we look forward to him expressing himself on the field in front of friends and whanau at home.”

“Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first-five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the back line.

“We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington.”

All Blacks team to play the Wallabies in Wellington: 

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Wallace Sititi
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Damian McKenzie
23. David Havili