Beauden Barrett in doubt for Bledisloe Cup

Crusaders first five‑eighth Richie Mo'unga has been called into the All Blacks with Beauden Barrett in doubt for Saturday's clash with the Wallabies in Brisbane after a head knock.

Barrett left the field 33 minutes into the All Blacks’ 25‑24 victory over the Springboks last week after a blow to the head.

If Barrett does not recover, Highlanders first‑five Lima Sopoaga will start his first test in over two years.

Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo is expected to replace the injured Nehe Milner‑Skudder on the right wing while Hurricanes second‑five Ngani Laumape, blindside Vaea Fifita and prop Jeff Toomaga‑Allen have also been included in the team.

Second rowers Brodie Retallick and Luke Romano will remain at home.

Romano and wife Hannah have welcomed a baby boy, while Retallick and his wife are recovering from a family tragedy.

The All Blacks will take on Wallabies at 10pm Saturday in the final Bledisloe Cup test.

Forwards: Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Jeff Toomaga‑Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire and Matt Todd.

Backs: Tawera Kerr‑Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, David Havili and Damian McKenzie.