New Zealand have named three new caps, and included only seven players who started the Rugby World Cup final, in their line-up to face Ireland in the first Test in Auckland on Saturday.

Lock Brodie Retallick, halfback Aaron Smith and wing Julian Savea will all make their Test debuts in a side which is much changed from their last game – the World Cup final.

Sonny Bill Williams ousts Ma’a Nonu to start at second five-eighth, while Victor Vito has edged out Adam Thomson to take the No.6 jersey vacated by the injured Jerome Kaino.

Daniel Carter, who will become the country’s most-capped first five-eighth, is back after missing much of the World Cup with a groin injury.

Highlander Aaron Smith’s impressive Super Rugby form has seen him elevated to first-choice halfback with the out of form Piri Weepu on the bench.

Retallick, who at 21 will become the second-youngest lock to play for a Test for New Zealand, joins 23-year-old Sam Whitelock in a young second row after the retirement of warhorse Brad Thorn.

Savea, 21, and Zac Guildford will play on the wings, with World Cup starters Cory Jane and Richard Kahui both sidelined with injury.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the three newcomers had the chance to prove why they deserve to start.

“They have all shown that they have special qualities which they now get the opportunity to show on the international stage.”

The match on Saturday will be the first rugby international at Eden Park since the Rugby World Cup final last October.

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Res: Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.