Overview
- Hunter Paisami was handed a four-Test suspension by the SANZAAR disciplinary panel after a high tackle, a decision confirmed this week that will rule him out of the Bledisloe matches in Auckland and Sydney.
- All Blacks flyhalf Ruben Love has been ruled unavailable because of an ongoing ankle/foot problem, removing Dave Rennie’s preferred 10 and leaving Mo’unga, Jacomb and others in contention.
- All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will miss the rest of 2026 after shoulder surgery, with hooker Codie Taylor taking on captaincy and the squad recalling forwards Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell for depth.
- Australia’s 34-man squad includes uncapped forward Toby Macpherson as a late addition after club departures, and coach Les Kiss has Jock Campbell, Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu listed as midfield options.
- The two-Test series’ compressed format and Eden Park’s home record sharpen the impact of these absences, so selectors must resolve midfield pairings, leadership cover and Len Ikitau’s ankle fitness before the October 10 kickoff.