# All Blacks face injury crisis ahead of Bledisloe Cup > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/all-blacks-rugby-team-selection-and-bledisloe-cup-outlook > Updated: 2026-10-05T23:27:47.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The All Blacks face an escalating injury crisis ahead of the Bledisloe Cup. Richie Mo’unga, previously a favorite to fill the fly-half role, has been ruled out of both Test matches after sustaining a calf tear during training. His return timeline is currently undetermined, and New Zealand Rugby has not yet named an injury replacement. Further selection challenges have emerged as Fehi Fineanganofo has been sidelined due to a concussion and a hamstring strain, requiring a mandatory 12-day stand-down period. Chay Fihaki has joined the squad to replace Fineanganofo. In response to these absences, head coach Dave Rennie has moved Damian McKenzie to fly-half, with Beauden Barrett expected to start at fullback. The squad also welcomes the return of veteran forward Scott Barrett for his 90th Test. Following three consecutive defeats to South Africa, New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster stated there are no immediate plans to assess coach Rennie, noting the organization remains focused on preparations for next year’s World Cup. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: All Blacks face injury crisis ahead of Bledisloe Cup All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga is ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup due to a calf injury, forcing Damian McKenzie into the starting lineup alongside other squad changes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-blacks-fly-half-selection-in-focus-after-ruben-love-injury ### 2026-10-02: Richie Mo'unga warns of Wallabies threat ahead of Bledisloe Cup All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mo'unga warns of a confident Wallabies side following Australia's recent victory over the Springboks ahead of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richie-mounga-warns-of-wallabies-threat-ahead-of-bledisloe-cup --- Cite as: All Blacks face injury crisis ahead of Bledisloe Cup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/all-blacks-rugby-team-selection-and-bledisloe-cup-outlook