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Scott Barrett Returns to All Blacks Squad, Taylor Named Skipper for Bledisloe Tests
Taylor replaces injured Ardie Savea as New Zealand names a 34-man squad, with Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell recalled for the series.
Hooker Codie Taylor will lead the 34-strong All Blacks squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia in October, replacing Ardie Savea, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Following a 3-1 series loss to the Springboks, the All Blacks continue their defense of the Bledisloe Cup, a trophy held by New Zealand since 2003.
Returning after 10 months, Scott Barrett rejoins the squad, while Flanker Shannon Frizell is recalled for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final.
Several players remain unavailable due to injury, including Flyhalf Ruben Love, Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, and Caleb Clarke, forcing coach Dave Rennie to adjust his lineup.
At Eden Park, the team aims to extend a 53-test winning streak on October 10 against the Wallabies, who have not won a test there since 1986.