Brief

All Blacks name Damian McKenzie at fly‑half for Bledisloe Cup opener

Injuries force a reshuffle of the All Blacks lineup ahead of Saturday's first Bledisloe Cup test.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:58:07 GMT

New Zealand's All Blacks will start Damian McKenzie at fly‑half and veteran Beauden Barrett at fullback for Saturday's first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia, the Associated Press reported on Oct. 7.

What happened

Coach Ian Foster announced a heavily altered backline after a spate of injuries. Fly‑half Richie Mo’unga suffered a calf injury in training on Tuesday, while winger Ruben Love is out for the season with an ankle injury. Fullback Beauden Barrett, normally a back‑three player, shifts to fullback, and McKenzie moves to the pivotal fly‑half role.

What the reports add

The AP piece notes that centre Billy Proctor and midfield anchor Anton Lienert‑Brown are also sidelined, prompting Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea to partner in midfield. On the wing, Will Jordan and Leroy Carter replace the injured Caleb Clarke and Fehi Fineaganofo. The back‑row loses captain Ardie Savea to shoulder surgery and Luke Jacobson to an elbow injury.

What was said

There are no direct quotations in the source; the article simply lists the lineup changes and injury list.

How it came about

The injuries have compounded New Zealand's recent 3‑1 series loss to South Africa, leaving the All Blacks without a specialist No. 7 and forcing a reshuffle across the backline and forwards.

Key facts

Damian McKenzie will start at fly‑half for the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup test. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Beauden Barrett will play at fullback. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Scott Barrett returns to the squad as lock, marking the first test appearance of the season. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Injuries to Richie Mo’unga, Ruben Love, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineaganofo, Ardie Savea and others forced the lineup changes. (winnipegfreepress.com)