WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Ardie Savea will lead New Zealand in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship test against Australia in Auckland in the absence of regular captain Scott Barrett who has a shoulder injury.

Head coach Scott Robertson otherwise has made only four personnel changes to the starting lineup which suffered New Zealand’s worst-ever test defeat at the hands of South Africa two weeks ago. New Zealand lost 43-10 after leading 10-7 at halftime.

Veteran hooker Codie Taylor returns to the starting lineup and Fabian Holland will start at lock in Barrett’s absence. Cam Roigard returns from injury at scrumhalf and Caleb Clarke has been named on the left wing for his first test in 2025.

Leroy Carter moves to the right wing and Will Jordan moves from winger to fullba

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