All Blacks change five for Bledisloe

Editor

New Zealand have made four changes to their side to play Australia in Brisbane this Saturday with Brodie Retallick fit to return.

New Zealand have made four changes to their side to play Australia in Brisbane this Saturday with Brodie Retallick fit to return.

The Chiefs second row missed the final game of the Rugby Championship, where the All Blacks were beaten in Johannesburg, but has recovered from concussion to make the team for the Bledisloe Cup clash.

He will be joined by Chiefs teammate Liam Messam, who starts ahead of Jerome Kaino, while Wyatt Crockett and Dane Coles will also start.

Crockett comes in for Joe Moody, who made his first start against the Boks, while Coles gets the nod ahead of Keven Mealamu.

There is one change in the backline with Cory Jane coming in on the right wing for Ben Smith, who is rested.

However there is no place in the 23 for Aaron Cruden, who had been omitted for the last two games of the Rugby Championship after missing the flight to Argentina.

Beauden Barrett keeps his place at fly-half, with Colin Slade covering on the bench.

There are few changes among the replacements, with Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara and Charles Piutau all joining the squad.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charles Piutau

Date: Saturday, October 18
Kick-off: 19:00 local (11:00 BST, 10:00 GMT)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Referee: Craig Joubert