Returning lock Scott Barrett joins his brothers in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series against Australia. Coach Dave Rennie named hooker Codie Taylor as captain for the October 10 and 17 tests at Auckland and Sydney, stepping in while Ardie Savea recovers from shoulder surgery.
Scott Barrett Returns From Surgery as Codie Taylor Takes the Captaincy
The 32-year-old Crusaders lock made his first appearance of the season playing just over 50 minutes for Taranaki province in the National Provincial Championship in the National Provincial Championship. Former All Blacks captain Scott Barrett returns to the national squad after spending 10 months on the sidelines recovering from a sabbatical, ankle and Achilles surgery, and a subsequent back operation that required a bulged disc to be repaired.
Following his recovery, the 89-Test lock produced a faultless display upon his return at Eden Park, providing the engine room with essential physicality up front and managing both the breakdown and set piece. His towering presence and work rate around the breakdown kept Australia’s poachers in check—holding Fraser McReight to zero turnovers—while his direct carries kept the defensive line honest and his pullback pass to Damian McKenzie sparked the momentum for the team’s second try. His contributions yielded a team-high 18 carries alongside 12 tackles, while also providing essential support to the tighthead prop to firm up the scrum against a strong Wallaby front row.
While Barrett’s return reunites him in the squad with his brothers Beauden and Jordie, the leadership duties for the two-test series remain with hooker Codie Taylor. Taylor assumes the captaincy in the absence of Ardie Savea, who is sidelined for the remainder of the year following shoulder surgery. Taylor previously captained the side during the final test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa.
“His leadership was important for us during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so we know he will do an outstanding job in Ardie’s absence.”
Dave Rennie, All Blacks head coach
Injury Toll Tests Squad Depth Ahead of Eden Park Opener
Flyhalf Ruben Love is unavailable due to an ankle injury, alongside lock Patrick Tuipulotu with a calf problem, centers Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor with knee and shoulder issues, and prop Ollie Norris recovering from a knee injury. New Zealand enters the Bledisloe Cup defense facing a mounting injury list across the forward pack and backline.
Uncapped playmaker Josh Jacomb joins Richie Mo’unga as an option at first five-eighth to cover for Love’s absence, while Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie provide additional depth across the playmaking and fullback positions.
Eden Park Record and the Challenge From Australia
New Zealand has held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and won the last 11 tests against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Dave Rennie’s side enters the opening clash on October 10 following a demanding four-test series against South Africa, which the Springboks won 3-1. Meanwhile, Australia arrives in New Zealand bolstered by a dramatic upset victory over South Africa in Perth.
“Australia will be a real challenge. It’s now a very experienced Wallabies side who have played a lot of Test footy together.”
Dave Rennie, All Blacks head coach