The All Black selectors have made four changes and a couple of positional switches for the third and deciding test against Ireland in Wellington.
David Havili and Will Jordan are into the All Blacks starting side for the final game against Ireland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Sam Whitelock returns at lock after he missed the second test loss in Dunedin with concussion to join Brodie Retallick in what will be the pair's 61st test start together in the second row.
Whitelock's return moves Scott Barrett back to blindside flanker, where he played in the opening test of the series in Auckland, in a forward pack also bolstered by the return of 40-test tighthead prop Nepo Laulala, who is set to make his first appearance of the season along with Dane Coles and Akira Ioane.
Second-five eighths David Havili is back after Covid-19 to take his place in the midfield alongside centre Rieko Ioane who is set to earn his 50th test cap.
Rieko Ioane will play his 50th game for the All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Winger Will Jordan has been elevated from the reserves, in place of Quinn Tupaea who misses the game day 23.
Rugby league convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is named for the first time this series and is in line to make his test debut off the bench.
New Zealand must win on Saturday to avoid a historic Ireland series victory.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could make his All Blacks debut off the bench. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Photosport
"It's tough having a loss but the tough weeks are often the most exciting," All Blacks coach Ian Foster said.
"A series decider against a high-quality side is a great occasion for our growth as a team."
The All Blacks have played Ireland in Wellington just three times - twice at Athletic Park (1976, 1992) and once at Sky Stadium (2008).
All Blacks match day 23:
1.George Bower (13)
2.Codie Taylor (68)
3.Nepo Laulala (40)
4.Brodie Retallick (94)
5.Samuel Whitelock (133)
6.Scott Barrett (50)
7.Sam Cane © (79)
8.Ardie Savea (61)
9.Aaron Smith (104)
10.Beauden Barrett (103)
11.Sevu Reece (19)
12.David Havili (15)
13.Rieko Ioane (49)
14.Will Jordan (14)
15.Jordie Barrett (38)
16.Dane Coles (80)
17.Aidan Ross (1)
18.Ofa Tu'ungafasi (46)
19.Akira Ioane (13)
20.Dalton Papalii (14)
21.Folau Fakatava (1)
22.Richie Mo'unga (33)
23.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck *