The All Blacks have dumped both of their wingers in a shock back three overhaul for the third and deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Speedsters Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo make way for Saturday’s clash at Eden Park, with Israel Dagg shifting from fullback to the right wing.
Precociously talented 20-year-old Jordie Barrett is thrown into a pressure-cooker role at fullback in what will be his first Test start.
Julian Savea is a more seasoned introduction on the left wing, having played no part in the series to date after being usurped by the talented Ioane.
Ngani Laumape starts at second five-eighth, joining Barrett in playing just his second Test and making his maiden start.
Laumape experienced 55 minutes off the bench in last week’s 24-21 second-Test loss in Wellington, introduced after Sonny Bill Williams was shown a red card which resulted in a subsequent four-week suspension.
There is no change to the starting pack or halves, while a lone new face on the bench is centre Malakai Fekitoa, who was called into the squad following injury to Ryan Crotty.
A widespread belief Fekitoa would leapfrog Laumape into the starting side proved ill-founded.
All three new starting faces are Hurricanes backs, and will operate outside that team’s playmaker, first five-eighth Beauden Barrett.
Jordie, Beauden and lock reserve Scott Barrett match their New Zealand record-breaking scenario against Samoa last month, when all three brothers were named in the 23.
Ioane’s dropping is the biggest surprise, with the 20-year-old having utilised his speed to score twice in the 30-15 first Test win at Eden Park.
Savea, the scorer of 46 tries in 53 Tests, may need to provide support to Jordie Barrett, who can expect to be the target of the Lions’ array of tactical kickers.
Elsewhere, captain Kieran Read will play his 100th Test in what is his 25th cap as skipper. He will be the seventh All Black to reach a century milestone.
Aaron Cruden and Charlie Faumuina will bring up 50 caps if used off the reserves bench. It could also be the last Test for the pair, who have signed French club contracts beginning later this year.
Coach Steve Hansen says the Test shapes as a “cracker”.
“It’s winner takes all and that’ll create its own unique pressures. It’s going to be interesting to see how both sides cope with it,” he said.
All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa.
