The All Blacks have named their team to take on Ireland in Chicago in the United States this weekend.
The game kicks off at 9.10am on Sunday, October 2, New Zealand time at Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears National Football League (NFL) team.
The side includes four changes to the side that defeated Australia in Perth in the final round of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
Ethan de Groot returns from concussion to join Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor in the starting front row.
Tamaiti Williams move to the bench where he’ll play an impact role alongside fellow front-rowers Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
The other change to the forwards is on the bench, with lock Josh Lord coming into the side to replace Patrick Tuipulotu, who’s injured.
In the backs, Beauden Barrett returns from a shoulder injury to start at first-five eighth.
Caleb Clarke returns from his ankle injury to play on the left wing.
Leicester Fainga’anuku and Damian McKenzie move into the reserves to join halfback Cortez Ratima as backline cover.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson says the team has prepared well in Chicago this week for what they know will be a tough match against Ireland.
“This is an awesome match to kick off our northern tour with.
“Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters here in Chicago, so we’re prepared for a passionate clash on the Soldier Field stage.
“We have had a great week together leading up to the test and now we’re looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon [US time].”
All Blacks match-day 23 (test caps in brackets)
1. Ethan de Groot (37)
2. Codie Taylor (103)
3. Fletcher Newell (31)
4. Scott Barrett (86) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland (9)
6. Simon Parker (5)
7. Ardie Savea (103) (Vice-Captain)
8. Peter Lakai (5)
9. Cam Roigard (14)
10. Beauden Barrett (141)
11. Caleb Clarke (30)
12. Jordie Barrett (77) (Vice-Captain)
13. Quinn Tupaea (21)
14. Leroy Carter (3)
15. Will Jordan (50)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (39)
17. Tamaiti Williams (23)
18. Pasilio Tosi (12)
19. Josh Lord (8)
20. Wallace Sititi (15)
21. Cortez Ratima (18)
22. Leicester Fainga’anuku (8)
23. Damian McKenzie (70)
