Fihaki poised for All Blacks debut as Jordie Barrett ruled out of second Bledisloe Test

Chay Fihaki is set to make his international debut off the bench after Jordie Barrett was ruled out of the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Sydney with a tight calf, forcing a late reshuffle to the All Blacks’ matchday 23.

Fihaki, who had already joined the squad as an injury replacement for Fehi Fineanganofo, steps into the 23 having yet to earn a single Test minute. The 193 cm Crusaders outside back is widely regarded for his aerial prowess — a quality that has become a recurring theme in All Blacks selection discussions in recent seasons. Now six years into his Crusaders career, Fihaki covers both right wing and fullback and carries a powerful boot.

The more significant positional shift sees Timoci Tavatavanawai promoted from the bench to a first Test start, pulling on the No.12 jersey in place of Barrett. The Highlanders co-captain arrives under a degree of scrutiny after head coach Dave Rennie publicly challenged him to sharpen his fitness, describing his conditioning during the Super Rugby Pacific season as “well off the pace” — a pointed assessment given that Tavatavanawai collected the joint-most Player of the Year votes in the competition.

Rennie has opted against the simpler solution of sliding starting centre Quinn Tupaea across to No.12, instead keeping Tupaea in his preferred role. Experienced midfielder Rieko Ioane remains on the bench but will now serve as midfield cover rather than the outside back option he was originally named to provide.

The changes add an extra layer of intrigue to a Test that already carries significant weight. New Zealand won the opening Bledisloe fixture and will be looking to extend their hold on the trophy, while Australia will be eager to level the series on home soil.