Dubai Telegraph - All Blacks name veteran Taylor captain as Mo'unga seizes 10 jersey

Mo'unga returned to New Zealand this year after spending three seasons playing for Toshiba in Japan, with an eye to playing for the All Blacks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

He was initially left out of New Zealand's squad for the four-test series against South Africa, due to New Zealand Rugby's own eligibility rules, but played the final Test after receiving a late call up.

With incumbent fly half Ruben Love out injured for the Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia, the 32-year-old Mo'unga will have a chance to seize the jersey for good.

Captain Ardie Savea will remain sidelined after suffering an injury in the South Africa series, with veteran hooker Codie Taylor taking the role.

Coach Rennie said Taylor was a "top man".

"His leadership as tour captain was important for us during Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, so we know he will do an outstanding job in Ardie's absence," Rennie said.

"The Bledisloe Cup means a huge amount to this team. We've held it since 2003 and we don't take that for granted."

Rennie has also named former captain Scott Barrett in the 34-man squad, his first opportunity to play international rugby since Scott Robertson's sacking as coach earlier this year.

Barrett also lost his captaincy in the All Blacks leadership reshuffle, and dealt with injury on his return to Super Rugby with the Canterbury Crusaders.

New Zealand squad:

Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo'unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.

Y.Amjad--DT