Beauden Barrett to miss Bledisloe Cup opener due to Achilles injury

New Zealand will miss the services of Beauden Barrett in the Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia in Wellington following an an Achilles injury.

The 29-year-old was slotted at fullback in the initial line-up but now his position is taken by Damian McKenzie. Beauden is expected to be available for the second game of the series in Auckland on 18th November.

New Zealand last lost Bledisloe Cup to Australia in 2002 and since then has clinched the title 17 consecutive times.

New Zealand starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane (c), 8 Ardie Savea

Reserves: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Tupou Vaai, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Caleb Clarke