'This will be a particularly special night': All Blacks axe playmaker for Bledisloe rematch
Updated . First published
WELLINGTON: All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie has been axed after a patchy performance in the opening Bledisloe Cup win over the Wallabies in Sydney.
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has made a major statement by instead handing five-eighth duties to veteran Beauden Barrett for Saturday's rematch in Wellington.
Barrett was named at fullback for the 31-28 victory at Accor Stadium but was a late scratching with illness.
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Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett of New Zealand. Getty
McKenzie has worn the No.10 jersey in all eight Tests this season while Barrett last started at five-eighth against Scotland in 2022.
The diminutive McKenzie caused Australia's defence fits at times in Sydney but blotted his copybook with some poor decisions which led to bombed tries.
"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 backline," Robertson said.
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"We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington."
Anton Lienert-Brown has replaced the injured Jordie Barrett at inside centre while TJ Perenara is the starting halfback ahead of Cortez Ratima.
Former captain Sam Cane will play his 100th Test in what will be the last home game in black for both he and Perenara.
"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," Robertson said.
"Sam will be joining an exclusive club of All Black centurions, which is testament to his fortitude and work ethic.
"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 (family) at home."
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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will unveil his team at 11.30am AEST on Thursday.
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook
