All Blacks named for Bledisloe: Codie Taylor captain, Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell back

The All Blacks squad to take on the Wallabies has been named with a pair of veterans earning their international recall.Dave Rennie has named his 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup, with former captain Scott Barrett included to complete his comeback.Barrett has not been cited in black in 2026 but made a return to rugby last weekend with Taranaki in a big win over Hawke's Bay.Rennie saw enough to recall the 88-test stalwart, along with Tasman's Shannon Frizell, back in the country after three years in Japan.Codie Taylor will captain the side for the two tests against the Wallabies, with several key players sidelined with injury.Ruben Love will sit out the series with an ankle injury, Richie Mo'unga and Josh Jacomb named as the only first fives.Beauden Barrett retains his spot in the outside backs, with no room for Emoni Narawa.Others to have missed the cut include lock Sam Darry, props Siale Lauaki and Saula Ma'u, number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and the versatile Leicester Faingaʻanuku, just back from a long lay-off.In total, the squad includes 31 of the players who were named in the original 44-man squad which travelled to South Africa.Jacomb, who played two franchise games during Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour, is the only member of the squad yet to earn a Test cap.Rennie said the season so far had given a large number of players valuable experience that would be vital for upcoming the Bledisloe Cup."Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour was great for us. We've learnt a lot about our game and about ourselves, and it gave a lot of guys valuable time in the jersey. Plenty of them put their hands up, and every player selected fully deserves their place."Rennie welcomed back both Barrett and Frizell."Scott has had a challenging stretch on the sidelines, and we're thrilled to have his experience and leadership back in the group. Shannon brings plenty of Test experience and physical impact to our loose forwards."Having held the trophy for 23 years, Rennie said the history means a lot to the All Blacks."We've held it since 2003 and we don't take that for granted. Australia will be a real challenge. It's now a very experienced Wallabies side who have played a lot of Test footy together. After eight games on the road, we're excited to start this series in front of our home crowd at Eden Park," Rennie said.Taylor said he was humbled to be asked to captain the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup."To lead this team is a massive honour, and I know I'm lucky to have a lot of good leaders around me who make that job easier. A special thank you also to my whānau for their support, none of this would be possible without them. Ardie has done an outstanding job for us this year and we're all gutted he's not with us. We'll be doing everything we can to make him proud.The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on Sunday ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup Test.All Blacks Bledisloe Cup squad:Forwards: Codie Taylor (captain), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo'unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.Unavailable due to injury: Ruben Love (ankle), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Ardie Savea (shoulder), Luke Jacobson (elbow), Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, (shoulder), Ollie Norris (knee).2026 Bledisloe Cup:7.10pm October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland6pm October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney