Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup series with Ardie Savea sidelined through injury.
Dave Rennie has named Codie Taylor as All Blacks captain for the Bledisloe Cup series against Australia. Regular skipper Ardie Savea remains sidelined following shoulder surgery sustained during the Springboks (3.02) series.
Taylor Steps Into The Role
Taylor previously captained the side for the first time during the fourth Test against South Africa in Baltimore. Rennie praised his leadership qualities ahead of the upcoming series.
“Codie is a top man who has huge mana,” Rennie said.
He credited Taylor’s influence as tour captain during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: “We know he will do an outstanding job in Ardie’s absence,” Rennie added.
Taylor described the appointment as a significant honour: “To lead this team is a massive honour,” he said. “Ardie has done an outstanding job for us this year, and we’re all gutted he’s not with us,” Taylor added.
Big Names Return
Former captain Scott Barrett returns to the squad after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His absence included a sabbatical and back surgery before a recent comeback with Taranaki (2.04).
Shannon Frizell also returns for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. He spent three seasons in Japan before returning to New Zealand and representing Tasman this year.
Rennie welcomed both players back enthusiastically: “Shannon brings plenty of Test experience and physical impact to our loose forwards,” he said.
Injuries Open The Door For Mo’unga
Flyhalf Ruben Love misses the series with an ankle ligament injury. That absence hands Richie Mo’unga a significant opportunity to reclaim the number ten jersey.
Mo’unga returned to New Zealand (1.16) this year after three seasons with Toshiba in Japan. He was initially excluded from the South Africa series due to eligibility rules before a late injury call-up.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu also misses out with a calf strain. Josh Jacomb remains the squad’s only uncapped player after featuring during the South Africa tour.
A Trophy Worth Defending
New Zealand has held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003, a run spanning more than two decades. Rennie stressed the significance of that record ahead of the series.
“We’ve held it since 2003, and we don’t take that for granted,” he said.
He acknowledged the threat posed by an increasingly experienced Wallabies (5.00) side: “It’s now a very experienced Wallabies side who have played a lot of Test footy together,” Rennie said.
The All Blacks remain unbeaten against any opposition at Eden Park since 1994. New Zealand’s squad assembles in Auckland on Sunday ahead of the 10 October opener.
All Blacks Squad For The Bledisloe Cup
Forwards: Codie Taylor (c), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo’unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.
