Sports

Centre Barrett returns for New Zealand against Scotland

Published on نوفمبر 5, 2026 at 14:12

Jordie Barrett (C) returns to New Zealand's side to face Scotland this weekend — Michael Bradley / AFP
Jordie Barrett (C) returns to New Zealand's side to face Scotland this weekend — Michael Bradley / AFP

Jordie Barrett will start for New Zealand in their opening game of the November Nations Championship campaign against Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The 29-year-old centre is one of five changes from the All Blacks' last game, a 43-21 win over Australia on October 17.

Ethan de Groot starts at loosehead while front-rowers Asafos Aumua and Christian Lio-Willie as well as back-rower Anton Segner come into the matchday 23 on the bench.

Barrett's older brother Beauden is at full-back with Damian McKenzie at fly-half to create a threatening playmaking spine.

"Scotland are a quality side," All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said.

"They are very well coached and have built a lot of depth over recent years.

"They play a very similar brand of footy to us and we know we'll need to be at our best on Saturday.

"Murrayfield is an iconic place to play so it will be a special occasion to kick off our northern tour," the former Australia boss added, with Scotland having never beaten the All Blacks.

After facing Scotland, three-time World Cup winners New Zealand face Wales and England before a match to decide a final standing in the opening edition of the Nations Championship.

Team 15-1

Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (capt), Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Asafo Amumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane

Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)