Promising loose forward Sam Cane is set to make his debut for the All Blacks after being named in the reserves for the second rugby Test against Ireland in Christchurch on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Chiefs flanker gets his chance after an injury to Victor Vito forced the All Blacks into one change to the starting line-up from the side that overran the Irish 42-10 in the first Test in Auckland.

Vito, who is sidelined for up to five weeks with a knee injury, is replaced at blindside flanker by Adam Thomson.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is expecting a better showing from the Irish after they were soundly beaten at Eden Park.

“We are also expecting Ireland to improve, as they are a nation with a never-say-die attitude so what we did last time won’t be good enough,” said Hansen who also promised more from the world champions.

“We (the coaches) are expecting further improvements in our game due to the extra training and preparation time we have had together, along with having a game under our belt.”

The match will be the first in Christchurch since 2010 after a series of earthquakes ravaged the city.

“The team, especially those of us from Christchurch, know that people have still been doing it tough so hopefully we can give them a performance on Saturday that puts a smile on their faces,” Hansen said.

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