Centre Ryan Crotty is the only change to the All Blacks side that started against England as New Zealand coach Steve Hansen named his strongest available team for their clash against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday at 9 pm.
Crotty will slot into his more comfortable inside-centre role alongside Crusaders teammate Jack Goodhue, having shifted between the number 12 and 13 jerseys throughout his international career.
The 30-year-old comes into the side for the injured Sonny Bill Williams from the starting XV who rallied for a 16-15 win over England last week.
Of the challenge against the world’s No.2 team, Hansen says: “We’ll be playing an opponent who will want to keep the ball for long periods of time, and if they aren’t getting what they want, then they’ll kick and try to pressure us.
“For us, we’ll need to be strong at set piece, both on our ball and theirs, and be prepared to work hard with or without the ball.
“When the momentum comes our way, we’ll need to take the opportunities that will come, as the team that makes the most of their opportunities will win the game.”
ALL BLACKS:
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements:
16 Dane Coles, 17 Ofa Tuungafasi, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Matt Todd, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.