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

Head coach Scott Robertson otherwise 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 and Fabian Holland is at lock in place of Barrett, who has a shoulder issue. 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 fullback.

On the bench, lock Patric

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