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The All Blacks head into the 2026 Bledisloe Cup with their starting XV still unknown and several major selection questions unresolved. Codie Taylor has been named captain with Ardie Savea sidelined after shoulder surgery; Scott Barrett is back in the squad after back surgery; and the contest for the No. 10 jersey remains open. The two Tests are scheduled for October 10 in Auckland and October 17 in Sydney.
What is settled, and what is still open?
The 34-player squad announcement confirmed Codie Taylor as captain and listed eight players as unavailable, but it did not name the starting XV or explain the team’s tactical plan. The selection questions below therefore remain questions, not predictions about who will start. The All Blacks’ official squad announcement is the source for the appointments, injuries and fixtures.
How will the All Blacks manage Ardie Savea’s absence?
Savea is unavailable following shoulder surgery. Taylor, a hooker, will captain the squad in his place. That makes leadership continuity one of the main storylines: Taylor captained the side in its final Test against South Africa, according to Rugby Australia’s September 29, 2026 report, and said he would have experienced leaders around him.
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The squad includes loose forwards Shannon Frizell, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Anton Segner and Simon Parker. Their inclusion provides selection options, but the squad announcement does not identify a direct tactical replacement for Savea or establish which players will take on particular roles. The match-day team will answer that more clearly.
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Is Scott Barrett ready to return to Test rugby?
Barrett has returned to the squad after back surgery and a long spell out. The All Blacks say he returned to provincial rugby with Taranaki; Rugby Australia’s September 29 report says he played just over 50 minutes in that appearance.
That return gives the coaches a selection option, but squad inclusion alone does not show whether Barrett will start, how many minutes he might play or how ready he is for a Test. His match-day status and involvement are still to be confirmed.
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Who gets the No. 10 jersey?
Rugby Australia identifies four candidates for first five-eighth: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie and uncapped Josh Jacomb. No starter had been named in the reporting available by October 3, 2026.
The decision is also linked to the fullback selection. McKenzie could be considered at fullback, which would affect how the coaches use the other options at first five-eighth. The eventual lineup will show whether they choose an experienced Test player or give Jacomb an opportunity; the available information does not establish a form ranking among the contenders.
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Can the All Blacks respond to the South Africa series?
Rugby Australia’s September 29, 2026 report says New Zealand lost its four-Test series against South Africa 3–1. The Bledisloe is the team’s next major test, and whether the squad can turn that difficult stretch into a response will be judged on the field.
In the official squad announcement, head coach Dave Rennie described the South Africa tour as useful experience and said the team had learned about its game and itself. That is the stated perspective from the camp; the two Tests against Australia will provide the first evidence of how the team applies those lessons.
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How much pressure will Australia bring to Eden Park?
Australia arrives encouraged by an upset win over South Africa, according to Rugby Australia’s September 29 report. The same report records a 53-Test All Blacks winning streak at Eden Park dating back to 1994. That is a historical run, not a guarantee of what will happen in Auckland.
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The opening Test also marks the All Blacks’ return home after eight games on the road, according to the official team announcement. Rennie called Australia a challenge and described the Wallabies as an experienced side that has played a lot of Test rugby together.
When and where are the 2026 Bledisloe Tests?
| Match | Date and time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| All Blacks v Wallabies | October 10, 2026, 7:10pm NZT | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Wallabies v All Blacks | October 17, 2026, 6:00pm NZT | Accor Stadium, Sydney |
The official All Blacks announcement lists both Tests as live on Sky Sport. Check the broadcaster’s current listings for availability in your location.
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