Beauden Barrett will move back to flyhalf in the All Blacks starting lineup to face Tonga in their final World Cup warm-up in Hamilton on Saturday.
The team features several changes from the side which played the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland last month.
In the absence of Richie Mo’unga, who was ruled out through injury, Barrett has moved from fullback to flyhalf. Ben Smith, who played in the Rugby Championship on the wing, has returned to the starting lineup in his more comfortable role at fullback.
Ryan Crotty, who made a strong return from a thumb injury for Canterbury last weekend, makes his first Test start of the year alongside Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield.
In the forwards, Codie Taylor gets a run at hooker, with Liam Coltman providing cover on the bench. Matt Todd will start at openside flank in place of Sam Cane.
Meanwhile, Scott Barrett returns from his ban for a dangerous tackle in the first Bledisloe Cup match and is named on the bench. Highlanders flyhalf Josh Ioane could make his Test debut as he provides cover at 10.
All Blacks – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Ardie Savea, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Ofa Tuungafasi, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Jordie Barrett.
Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
