New Zealand leave out Richie Mo'unga for Rugby Championship opener

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has left out Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo'unga for the Rugby Championship opening clash against Australia set to be played in Sydney on Saturday.

The 24-year-old's terrific performance in the later stage of Crusaders' Super Rugby title-winning 2018 season made a strong case of his selection with a number of pundits even wanting Hansen to play him at number 10 but the New Zealand boss has gone for his tried and tested option of Beauden Barrett as the designated fly-half.

However, Mo'unga's Crusaders team-mate Jack Goodhue has been rewarded with a start at outside centre and will partner Ryan Crotty at midfield.

Kieran Read returns to captain the side after missing the June series against France with an injury while Sam Whitelock is set to become eighth New Zealand player to feature in 100 Tests.

"He's been an outstanding contributor to this team for a long time, both on and off the field," said Hansen.

"To play one Test for the All Blacks is an achievement in itself but to be good enough to be selected and play 100 Tests is a remarkable feat.

"In doing so, he will join what is a small group of very special All Blacks."

The last time Australia claimed the Bledisloe Cup was in 2002 but it was the Wallabies, who emerged victorious when the two teams met last time in October last year and Hansen is expecting a high-voltage encounter.

"We know that we have to earn the right to perform by preparing well and taking each moment that arises, and that mindset has been reflected in our preparation this week, which has been very good," he said.

"The Bledisloe means a lot to this team and we have the opportunity to show just how much on Saturday night.

"As far as we're concerned, neither team currently has possession of the cup and if we want it, we've got to front up and take it."

Meanwhile, reserve prop Ofa Tuungafasi was ruled out of the encounter with a rib injury and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen was named as a replacement.

New Zealand starting line-up:

Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor Joe Moody

Replacements: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tim Perry, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown