Barrett handed All Blacks captaincy for first time in 149-Test career against Wales

Beauden Barrett will lead the All Blacks for the first time in his 149-Test career when New Zealand face Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with head coach Dave Rennie naming ten changes to his starting lineup and making history with a 6-2 bench split.

The 148-Test veteran, who starts at fullback, was confirmed as captain by Rennie, who described the occasion as a proud moment for Barrett and his family. “Beauden brings such valuable experience and is massively respected by us all,” Rennie said. “Captaining the All Blacks in a Test is an honour that I know he doesn’t take lightly, so it’ll be a proud day for him and his whanau.”

Crusaders first-five Richie Mo’unga returns at No.10, while Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo earns his first Test start on the right wing. Cortez Ratima partners Mo’unga in the half-back combination, with Josh Moorby named on the left wing. Chiefs duo Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea start in midfield in the absence of Jordie Barrett.

Up front, Asafo Aumua replaces Codie Taylor at hooker, joining George Bower and Fletcher Newell in the front row. An all-Taranaki Bulls second row sees Josh Lord start alongside Scott Barrett, while Blues loose-forward Anton Segner gets the nod at blindside flanker. Peter Lakai retains his place at openside, with Wallace Sititi — who scored a notable try at Murrayfield last week — continuing at No.8.

Rennie’s decision to go with a 6-2 bench split marks a departure from his usual selections, with scrum-half Kyle Preston and 92-Test outside-back Rieko Ioane the only backline cover among the replacements. Several players — including George Bell, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, and Leicester Fainga’anuku — are set for their first Nations Championship action in November.

Despite the wholesale changes, Rennie insisted the squad carries significant collective experience. “We have created good depth in this group, and there is a lot of competition for places. We have selected a strong side with 783 caps,” he said. “Wales are a proud rugby nation and are building nicely under Steve Tandy. We are well aware of the threat they pose and the challenge of playing in front of a passionate crowd at Principality Stadium.”