The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, have announced a 34-player squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia. These matches are set for October 10 in Auckland and October 17 in Sydney. The squad is composed of nineteen forwards, who play in the front row and are responsible for the physical aspects of the game, and fifteen backs, who typically handle the ball and are involved in attacking plays. Scott Barrett, a key player, is returning to the team after a ten-month absence that included a sabbatical and back surgery. Codie Taylor has been named captain in place of Ardie Savea, who is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. The squad reflects the challenges posed by injuries, as several players are unavailable for the upcoming matches. Among the forwards, three are missing: Luke Jacobson (elbow), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), and Ollie Norris (knee). Among the backs, Anton Lienert-Brown (knee), Billy Proctor (shoulder), and Caleb Clarke (shoulder) are also unavailable. Shannon Frizell, who recently returned to New Zealand after playing in Japan, is rejoining the squad for the first time since his 33rd selection during the 2023 World Cup final. One of the most intriguing questions in the squad is the fly-half position, a key role in directing the team’s attack. Ruben Love, who has been the starter at this position for most of the year, is unavailable due to an ankle injury. Josh Jacomb, who has never been selected before, is called up to join Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett among the fly-half options. The return of Scott Barrett, along with the inclusion of Josh Jacomb and the return of Shannon Frizell, marks a squad undergoing significant reorganization. The forwards in the squad include 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, and Shannon Frizell. The backs include 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, and Damian McKenzie.