Mo'unga returns, Beauden Barrett to captain All Blacks in Cardiff

Richie Mo'unga returns to the number 10 jersey and Beauden Barrett will captain the All Blacks in a Test for the first time when the team takes on Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.

Coach Dave Rennie has made 10 changes to the 23-man squad who beat Scotland, including eight to the starting XV.

Prop George Bower, hooker Asafo Aumua, Anton Segner and halfback Cortez Ratima move from the reserves into the starting side, while lock Josh Lord, Mo'unga, midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown and Fehi Fineanganofo come into the team.

It will be a first Test start for Segner and Fineanganofo.

Hooker George Bell, prop Xavier Numia, lock Jamie Hannah, loose forwards Ethan Blackadder and Leicester Fainga'anuku, and halfback Kyle Preston are on the bench.

In his 149th Test, Barrett wil wear the captain's armband for the first time.

"Beauden brings such valuable experience and is massively respected by us all," Rennie said.

"Captaining the All Blacks in a Test is an honour that I know he doesn’t take lightly, so it'll be a proud day for him and his whānau.

“We have created good depth in this group and there is a lot of competition for places. We have selected a strong side with 783 caps."

Mo'unga returns after missing the Bledisloe Cup matches with Australia.

Damian McKenzie, who has been in good form, has earned a rest against Wales, who have won just two of their seven Tests in 2026.

"Wales are a proud rugby nation and building nicely under Steve Tandy. We are well aware of the threat they pose and the challenge of playing in front of a passionate crowd at Principality Stadium."

1. George Bower (32)

2. Asafo Aumua (28)

3. Fletcher Newell (44)

4. Scott Barrett (92)

5. Josh Lord (18)

6. Anton Segner (4)

7. Peter Lakai (17)

8. Wallace Sititi (26)

9. Cortez Ratima (26)

10. Richie Mo’unga (57)

11. Josh Moorby (8)

12. Anton Lienert-Brown (94)

13. Quinn Tupaea (32)

14. Fehi Fineanganofo (1)

15. Beauden Barrett (148) - Captain

Reserves:

16. George Bell (4)

17. Xavier Numia (6)

18. Pasilio Tosi (20)

19. Jamie Hannah (1)

20. Ethan Blackadder (15)

21. Leicester Fainga’anuku (12)

22. Kyle Preston (6)

More on this topic

Excellence in execution: All Blacks' attack humming heading to Wales

After their rehearsed play success against the Scots, the All Blacks insist they have plenty more up their sleeve for Cardiff.

Rugby

9:57am

1:30

Richie Mo'unga cleared for Wales Test as All Blacks selection puzzle deepens

The veteran first-five's return poses an interesting predicament for coach Dave Rennie.

Rugby

Tue, Nov 10

Will Jordan's All Blacks season in doubt after injury setback

The Crusaders star has been diagnosed with a minor hamstring tear.

Rugby

Wednesday 10:54am

1:32

23. Rieko Ioane (92)

Unavailable due to injury: Will Jordan (hamstring)