The All Blacks have suffered a late injury blow ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia, with Jordie Barrett ruled out of Saturday's Test in Sydney.

The 86-cap midfielder has failed to recover from a calf problem suffered during New Zealand's 50-19 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.

Barrett experienced tightness during that match, and the issue has not settled enough for him to feature at Accor Stadium.

His withdrawal has forced head coach Dave Rennie into another late reshuffle.

Timoci Tavatavanawai has been promoted to the starting XV, while Chay Fihaki comes onto the bench and could make his Test debut.

All Blacks forced into late change

Barrett's absence adds to New Zealand's growing injury problems ahead of their second meeting with Australia in successive weekends.

Leroy Carter, Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua were already unavailable following the first Bledisloe Cup Test.

Ethan Blackadder, Richie Mo'unga and Fehi Fineanganofo are also sidelined.

Speaking when the original team was announced, Rennie stressed the importance of building on last weekend's impressive performance.

“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line. We put in a performance befitting the occasion.”

He added: “Now we need to back that performance up.”

The All Blacks' official team announcement had already confirmed several changes before Barrett's withdrawal.

All Blacks updated starting XV vs Australia

Saturday, 17 October 2026 – Accor Stadium, Sydney

15 – Beauden Barrett

14 – Will Jordan

13 – Quinn Tupaea

12 – Timoci Tavatavanawai

11 – Josh Moorby

10 – Damian McKenzie

9 – Cam Roigard

8 – Wallace Sititi

7 – Peter Lakai

6 – Tupou Vaa'i

5 – Fabian Holland

4 – Scott Barrett

3 – Fletcher Newell

2 – Codie Taylor (captain)

1 – George Bower

Replacements

16 – Samisoni Taukei'aho

17 – Xavier Numia

18 – Pasilio Tosi

19 – Shannon Frizell

20 – Du'Plessis Kirifi

21 – Cortez Ratima

22 – Chay Fihaki

23 – Rieko Ioane

Australia starting XV vs New Zealand

15 – Tom Wright

14 – Max Jorgensen

13 – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

12 – Isaac Henry

11 – Harry Potter

10 – Declan Meredith

9 – Ryan Lonergan

8 – Harry Wilson (captain)

7 – Fraser McReight

6 – Rob Valetini

5 – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

4 – Jeremy Williams

3 – Allan Alaalatoa

2 – Josh Nasser

1 – Aidan Ross

Replacements

16 – Billy Pollard

17 – Angus Bell

18 – Massimo De Lutiis

19 – Josh Canham

20 – Carlo Tizzano

21 – Kalani Thomas

22 – Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

23 – Filipo Dau

Be the boss: Pick your All Blacks XV:

When is Australia vs New Zealand?

The second Bledisloe Cup Test takes place on Saturday, 17 October, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6am UK time, with Sky Sports broadcasting the match.

New Zealand have already retained the Bledisloe Cup following their convincing victory at Eden Park.

However, the Wallabies will be desperate to respond in front of their home supporters.

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