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Beauden Barrett is a surprise choice to start at flyhalf for the All Blacks in their opening match of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Sydney on Saturday. The mercurial Hurricanes playmaker is typically seen as an impact reserve but will instead begin the match with Aaron Cruden on the bench.
There are six changes in all to the team that throttled Wales in the third test in June. A new front row sees Wyatt Crockett, Nathan Harris, and Owen Franks run out, with Harris set to make just his second test start. Uncapped Chiefs prop Kane Hames is prepared to debut from the bench after his sudden call-up during the week with Joe Moody ruled out with a neck injury.
Jerome Kaino, Waisake Naholo, and Malakai Fekitoa all return to the lineup. Out-of-form winger Julian Savea has been left on the bench, with brother Ardie Savea covering flanker beside Liam Squire. With no specialist lock reserve, Kaino is set to cover the second row.
NEW ZEALAND
1 Wyatt Crockett, 2 Nathan Harris, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (capt.), 9 Aaron Smith, 10 Beauden Barrett, 11 Waisake Naholo, 12 Ryan Crotty, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 14 Ben Smith, 15 Israel Dagg
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Kane Hames, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Liam Squire, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Julian Savea
