Will Jordan named in New Zealand's starting line up against Australia

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made one change to the starting line up for the Rugby Championship opener against Australia to be played at Eden Park on Saturday.

Will Jordan has returned to the XV and is slotted at right wing with Sevu Reece shifting to left. Reiko Ioane, who was at left wing in the opening Bledisloe Cup game moves to outside centre with Anton Lienert-Brown missing out due to knee injury.

Meanwhile, Scott Barrett has recovered from his illness to retain his place on the bench while TJ Perenara also returns to matchday squad.

“We’re all excited to be returning to Eden Park for the second Bledisloe Cup Test. It’s been a very ‘forward looking’ week.

“We were delighted with the result last weekend and obviously had some things that we had to work on this week so that has kept us focussed.”

He said there was huge motivation amongst the team ahead of this weekend.

“We know that Australia will be disappointed with the result and will lift. It’s a do or die game for them,” added Foster.

“But the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to us. It’s an historic trophy and it’s easy for people to take it for granted based on results in recent years, but throughout history it has been a hard Cup to win, so it’s hugely important.”

New Zealand starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower

Reserves: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett