Beauden Barrett ruled out of Bledisloe Cup opener

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been forced into a late change for the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia, withdrawing fullback Beauden Barrett.

The star Blues playmaker is out with an achilles injury, with Damian McKenzie coming in to start in his place.

Foster's decision to draft in McKenzie is a surprising one, given the 25-year-old was not in the 23-man squad for this afternoon's Test at Wellington's Sky Stadium.

Captain Sam Cane, who will lead the All Blacks for the first time as appointed skipper said they weren't banking on a win.

Despite the drama, the All Blacks will start healthy favourites against the Wallabies, who are without a win over New Zealand on Kiwi soil for 19 years.

The All Blacks host the Wallabies in Wellington in the first Bledisloe Cup clash at 3 o’clock this afternoon.

[Source: TVNZ Sports]