New Zealand have made three changes to their starting line-up as they look to wrap up the Bledisloe Cup with victory over the Wallabies in the third Test in Sydney on Saturday night.

The backline has remained intact with the changes coming in the pack with Hoskins Sotutu getting first start at No.8, replacing Ardie Savea who is on paternity leave.

Karl Tu’inukuafe comes in at loosehead prop for Joe Moody, who is out after a head knock, while veteran Sam Whitelock returns at starting lock for the ANZ Stadium clash.

Loose forward Dalton Papalii and midfielder Ngani Laumape also make their first appearances of 2020 on the bench.

Leading the four-match series after a draw and a win, All Blacks coach Ian Foster said he was excited by the rare chance to secure the Cup on Australian soil.

Since 2009 Australia have hosted the early Cup matches, with New Zealand hoisting the trophy at home.

“It’s the third Test of a four-Test series and the Bledisloe Cup is on the line,” Foster said.

“None of our players, even our experienced ones, have had to win the trophy in Australia.

“In the past the deciding game has always been in New Zealand, so I think it’s a great challenge for us.”

Foster said Sotutu was ready for his run-on debut after getting plenty of game time off the bench in the opening two Tests.

“He’s had plenty of minutes already in the Bledisloe Cup series and he’s ready to go. He’s excited. It’s a chance to start his first Test so it’s pretty special for him.”

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Samuel Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe. Res: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papalii, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Rieko Ioane.