Fullback Beauden Barrett is set to reclaim his position in the All Blacks starting lineup for the upcoming Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup test against Australia on Saturday. Barrett was previously on the bench for the All Blacks’ game against South Africa in Cape Town as Coach Scott Robertson sought to bolster the team’s experience to address challenges in finishing matches successfully.

Despite the strategic adjustment in the previous game, which resulted in a Springboks victory, Barrett will return as the starting fullback, displacing Will Jordan back to the right wing. Additionally, Ethan de Groot will make a comeback from injury to take on the looshead prop position, with Caleb Clarke also returning on the left wing following his recovery from a back injury.

T.J. Perenara, who was on the bench for the Springboks test, remains among the reserves for the upcoming match, while Cortez Ratima maintains his spot as the starting scrumhalf. Wallace Sititi retains his position as the blindside flank after an impressive performance in Cape Town. Pasilio Tosi, a young Hurricanes prop, will also be on the bench for his second test appearance, filling in for the injured Fletcher Newell.

Coach Robertson emphasized the significance of the Bledisloe Cup, a highly esteemed competition between New Zealand and Australia, highlighting the enduring history and competitive nature of the tournament. The All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and are gearing up for a tough battle against their Australian rivals, who share a 1-3 record with them in this season’s Rugby Championship.

The upcoming test will carry heavy pressure for both teams as they aim to secure a vital victory. Australia, having recently suffered a significant loss to Argentina, will be looking to bounce back against the All Blacks. The Wallabies’ lineup for the match is yet to be announced.

The All Blacks’ full lineup for the upcoming test includes Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. Among the reserves are Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Luke Jacobson, T.J. Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Sevu Reece.