Australia select Isaac Henry as All Blacks lose Mo’unga for Bledisloe series

Australia have named Isaac Henry at outside centre and kept Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the left wing, while New Zealand have lost fly-half Richie Mo’unga for both Bledisloe Cup Tests. The Guardian reported the team announcements on Thursday, with Wallabies coach Les Kiss making only one change in personnel to the starting side that beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth.

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Henry, a 27-year-old Queensland Reds midfielder with four Test appearances, returns two months after making his international debut against Japan in Osaka. His inclusion follows a four-week suspension for Hunter Paisami over a high tackle against South Africa. Len Ikitau, who scored twice from outside centre in Perth, passed a fitness assessment on his ankle and switches to inside centre to accommodate Henry.

The decision leaves Suaalii out wide despite his experience in midfield, where he has spent most of his 25-Test career. Australia have also retained their entire starting forward pack. Kiss has yet to lose since taking over from Joe Schmidt: his first five Tests in charge produced four victories and a draw. The opening Bledisloe match is scheduled for Saturday at Eden Park.

Australia’s replacements have changed after Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou returned to their European clubs, with the two-match series taking place outside World Rugby’s international window. Prop Massimo de Lutiis, back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and hooker Josh Nasser come onto the bench. Declan Meredith is also included, giving Kiss five forward replacements and three backs rather than the six-two balance used in Perth.

New Zealand’s reshuffle follows a calf tear sustained by Mo’unga in training on Tuesday. The injury rules him out of the Auckland opener and the following week’s match in Sydney. Winger Fehi Fineanganofo is also unavailable after failing concussion assessments following a head knock in club rugby; he had initially passed the tests.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has moved Damian McKenzie from fullback to fly-half and selected Beauden Barrett at fullback. Scott Barrett returns directly to the starting second row after a non-playing sabbatical during which he dealt with foot and back injuries. Captain Ardie Savea is among New Zealand’s other injury absentees, and Codie Taylor is named captain in the announced side.