20 Oct 2016

Julian Savea returns to take on Wallabies

6:34 am on 20 October 2016

There is just one change to the All Blacks starting lineup for Saturday's third Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Auckland.

All Blacks player Julian Savea celebrates a try. vs South Africa Springboks Christchurch AMI stadium 17/09/16

Julian Savea celebrates a try. Photo: Photosport

Julian Savea returns to the left wing after missing the team's last game against South Africa in Durban.

There are two changes in the reserves with first five Aaron Cruden and midfield back Malakai Fekitoa both named on the bench.

The All Blacks are chasing a record 18th consecutive win.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said the squad was feeling "refreshed and raring to go" after its return from South Africa.

"We're all looking forward to what we know is a hugely-anticipated Test match at Eden Park. We've been focused in our preparation this week and there's a strong resolve within the group to put in another performance we can be proud of.

"Australia will be coming here with a lot more confidence than when we played earlier in the season. They've made some significant changes to their game and would like nothing better to end their Southern Hemisphere Test season with a win. They've said they are keen to bring it on, and have outlined their intentions, so the stage is set for another huge trans-Tasman battle. It's a challenge we're really looking forward to."

Meanwhile, loose forward Sam Cane, winger Waisake Naholo and halfback replacement Augustine Pulu will be available to play for their respective provinces in their Mitre 10 Cup semifinal matches this weekend.

The All Blacks have also sent a message to the Black Ferns, who will be playing the Australian Wallaroos in the first match of the New Zealand-Australia double header on Saturday night, with their match kicking off at 5.05pm.

"On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to wish Glenn Moore and the Black Ferns all the very best for their Test match," said Hansen.

The All Blacks and Australia have played each other 157 times, with 108 wins to the All Blacks and 42 to Australia, with seven draws.

The matchday 23 is (with Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (19)

2. Dane Coles (45)

3. Owen Franks (86)

4. Brodie Retallick (56)

5. Samuel Whitelock (81)

6. Jerome Kaino (73)

7. Matt Todd (5)

8. Kieran Read - capt (93)

9. TJ Perenara (25)

10. Beauden Barrett (45)

11. Julian Savea (48)

12. Ryan Crotty (23)

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (5)

14. Israel Dagg (57)

15. Ben Smith (57)

16. Codie Taylor (10)

17. Wyatt Crockett (54)

18. Charlie Faumuina (41)

19. Liam Squire (5)

20. Ardie Savea (8)

21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (23)

22. Aaron Cruden (42)

23. Malakai Fekitoa (19)