# New Zealand All Blacks performance and selection > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby-performance-and-selection > Updated: 2026-10-19T04:12:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 5. The New Zealand All Blacks have faced a period of challenging results, including three consecutive losses to South Africa. To address this, head coach Dave Rennie has implemented squad changes, such as the return of veteran hooker Codie Taylor to captain the side and the recall of fly-half Richie Mo’unga for the final Test against South Africa in Baltimore. Following the series against South Africa, the team shifted focus toward the Bledisloe Cup. Despite the absence of captain Ardie Savea due to shoulder surgery, the All Blacks secured a 50-19 victory over Australia at Eden Park, allowing the team to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year. This success was bolstered by a subsequent 43-21 win over the Wallabies, with playmaker Damian McKenzie attributing the team’s form to their mental approach and forward pack mobility. However, the victories have drawn criticism from All Blacks legends Kieran Read and Justin Marshall regarding Rennie’s selection choices. Read described omitted lock Fabian Holland as a ‘world-class player’ and suggested he should be partnering Scott Barrett in the second row. Marshall questioned the matchday squad composition, specifically the decision to include both Josh Moorby and Rieko Ioane as replacements. In addition to selection concerns, Rennie has signaled intentions to challenge officiating procedures at an upcoming World Rugby meeting. While accepting a specific TMO ruling involving Cam Roigard, Rennie raised concerns regarding game management and whether teams should lose playing time during lengthy video reviews. Regarding squad selection, Rennie has addressed the continued absence of Du’Plessis Kirifi, citing disciplinary issues and high penalty counts. The coaching staff also continues to evaluate Leicester Fainga’anuku for a hybrid role, pending his match fitness. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup and challenge TMO protocols The All Blacks have retained the Bledisloe Cup following two wins over Australia. Coach Dave Rennie will also raise concerns with World Rugby regarding how match time is managed during TMO reviews. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-blacks-retain-bledisloe-cup-and-challenge-tmo-protocols ### 2026-10-13: All Blacks legends criticize Dave Rennie's selection choices Former All Blacks Kieran Read and Justin Marshall have criticized Dave Rennie’s squad selections, specifically questioning the omission of lock Fabian Holland following New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup win. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-blacks-legends-criticize-dave-rennies-selection-choices ### 2026-10-03: Dave Rennie discusses All Blacks selection and player roles All Blacks coach Dave Rennie cites disciplinary issues for Du'Plessis Kirifi's omission and eyes a hybrid role for Leicester Fainga'anuku to increase squad flexibility. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dave-rennie-discusses-all-blacks-selection-and-player-roles ### 2026-09-30: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie targets Bledisloe Cup recovery All Blacks coach Dave Rennie plans to field his strongest squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies to recover from recent losses to South Africa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-blacks-coach-dave-rennie-targets-bledisloe-cup-recovery ### 2026-09-10: All Blacks name squad for final Test against South Africa The All Blacks have named Codie Taylor as captain and recalled Richie Mo'unga for the final Test against South Africa in Baltimore, trailing 2-1 in the series. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-blacks-name-squad-for-final-test-against-south-africa --- Cite as: New Zealand All Blacks performance and selection. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby-performance-and-selection