Codie Taylor to lead New Zealand All Blacks in rugby’s Bledisloe Cup despite Scott Barrett’s return

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Hooker Codie Taylor will lead New Zealand in its two-test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia next month, and former captain Scott Barrett has been recalled after playing barely an hour of rugby all year.

Taylor was selected captain of the 34-strong All Blacks squad announced Tuesday for tests against the Wallabies in Auckland on Oct. 10 and Sydney on Oct. 17 in place of Ardie Savea, who is out of action after shoulder surgery.

Scott Barrett will rejoin his brothers Beauden and Jordie in an All Blacks squad for the first time this season after recovering from back surgery. He made his first appearance in 2026 last weekend for Taranaki province in the National Provincial Championship, playing just over 50 minutes.

Shannon Frizell has been recalled for the first time since 2023 to bolster a depleted backrow.

Apart from Savea, backrower Luke Jacobson and winger Caleb Clarke are sidelined for the remainder of the season. Flyhalf Ruben Love (ankle), lock Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), centers Anton Lienert-Brown (knee) and Billy Proctor (shoulder) and prop Ollie Norris (knee) also are unavailable for the Bledisloe Cup.

In Love’s absence Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga Damian McKenzie and the uncapped Josh Jacomb will vie for the No. 10 jersey, though McKenzie may be preferred at fullback.

The All Blacks are coming off the punishing four-test Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa, won 3-1 by the Springboks, and will face a Wallabies team heartened by their dramatic, upset win over South Africa last weekend.

Taylor led the All Blacks in Savea’s absence in the final test of the series against South Africa, a 43-28 loss in Baltimore.

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour was great for us,” head coach Dave Rennie said. “We’ve learnt a lot about our game and about ourselves and it gave a lot of guys valuable time in the jersey. Plenty of them put their hands up, and every player selected fully deserves their place.

“It’s great to welcome back Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell. Scott has had a challenging stretch on the sidelines, and we’re thrilled to have his experience and leadership back in the group. Shannon brings plenty of test experience and physical impact to our loose forwards.”

Rennie described Taylor as “a top man who has huge mana (status). ”

“His leadership was important for us during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so we know he will do an outstanding job in Ardie’s absence.”

New Zealand will be defending a 53-test winning streak at Auckland’s Eden Park, dating back to 1994.

“The Bledisloe Cup means a huge amount to this team. We’ve held it since 2003 and we don’t take that for granted,” Rennie said.

“Australia will be a real challenge. It’s now a very experienced Wallabies side who have played a lot of test footy together. After eight games on the road, we’re excited to start this series in front of our home crowd at Eden Park.”

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