Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell return to All Blacks squad

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named a 34-man squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests against Australia. The squad features the return of lock Scott Barrett and loose forward Shannon Frizell. Barrett returns following a period of sabbatical and back surgery, while Frizell returns after playing in Japan.

The squad faces significant injury challenges, with first-five Ruben Love ruled out due to a lingering ankle injury. Other unavailable players include Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Ollie Norris, and Patrick Tuipulotu. Due to Savea's shoulder injury, Codie Taylor has been named captain for the two tests.

Richie Mo’unga is expected to remain the first-choice No 10 following Love's absence. Rennie defended Mo’unga's recent performance in Baltimore, stating the team was not accurate enough to allow him a larger impact. The series will consist of a test at Eden Park on 10 October and a second test in Sydney on 17 October.

How it developed

• Tue 29 Sep, 5:34pmDave Rennie described Scott Barrett as a 'reluctant' captain during his previous tenure under Scott Robertson.

Where reports differ

• One report notes Beauden Barrett is listed in the outside backs, while another suggests he is included as a fullback who covers No 10

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, The Post, 1News and RNZ.