Beauden Barrett will return to fly-half for the first time this year with Scott Robertson bringing in several changes following the All Blacks tight three-point win over the Wallabies last week.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has explained why he has opted to start Beauden Barrett at fly-half ahead of Damian McKenzie for Saturday's Test against Australia in Wellington.

(Reuters) -All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has dropped flyhalf Damian McKenzie from his starting side and replaced him with Beauden Barrett for New Zealand's last test of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Wellington on Saturday.

New Zealand veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled Thursday to start at flyhalf against Australia this weekend, replacing Damian McKenzie who has been relegated to the bench. Australia will name their team later Thursday.

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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has axed winger Marika Koroibete for Australia's final Rugby Championship test and replaced him with Dylan Pietsch for the clash against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

Beauden Barrett will start at flyhalf for the first time in almost two years in the All Blacks lineup to play Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup test.