The Crusaders’ outstanding Leicester Feingaanuk will make his debut in the wing of Eden Park, and his fellow debut Pita Gas Soikura will do his first test on the bench.
Head coach Ian Foster said he was excited to name the first All Blacks test team in 2022.
“This is doubly exciting for us playing in the packed Eden Park for the first test of the year and leads to the sold out Steinlager series.
“It was no more scripting to get back in front of the fans for this match after it looked far away from home.
“We couldn’t make an accurate plan this week, but our overall preparation went really well.”
In choosing this team, Foster said he had to take into account the management of players coming from the Super Rugby Pacific series.
“We only have 10 days together, but we have prepared strictly for this match.
“We have great respect for this Irish team. We can’t wait to step into the packed Eden Park on Saturday and start the 2022 Steinlager series.”
The team sees George Bower, named Loosehead Prop, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi on the other side of the scrum.
Scott Barrett wears a 6th jersey behind the scrum, with captain Sam Cane 7 years old and Ardie Savea 7 years old. His debut, Fainga’anuku, made his first start with the 11th jersey, with fellow Crusader Sevu Reece on the right.
After Covid was called as a cover because he influenced the player, Braydon Ennor became 23 and Sowakula, who made his debut, was also named 23 and could win his first all-black cap.
Named to play his 133rd All Blackstest, Sam Whitelock is his 12th season on the team and is the second most capped All Blackstest player in history (after Richie McCaw). As a result of surpassing Keben Mealam.
There is an incredibly rich history between the two teams we first met in 1905. Saturday will be the 34th test between All Blacks and Ireland, but the 4th play at Eden Park.
Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the three current All Blacks who played in Ireland the last time they visited Eden Park in 2012.
All Blacks confront Ireland:
1 George Bower (11)
2 Codie Taylor (66)
3 Ofa Tu’ungafashi (44)
4 Brodie Retallick (92)
5 Sam Whitelock (132)
6 Scott Barrett (48)
7 Sam Cane (77)-Captain
8 Ardie Savea (59)
9 Aaron Smith (102)
10 Beauden Barrett (101)
11 Leicester Finegaanuk * (0)
12 Quinn to Pair (7)
13 Rieko Ioane (47)
14 Sevu Reece (17)
15 Jordie Barrett (36)
16 Samisoni Taukeiaho (9)
17 Karl Tuinukuafe (25)
18 Angus Ta’avao (20)
19 Pitagas Sowakura (0) *
20 Dalton Papari (12)
21 Finley Christie (5)
22 Richie Mo’unga (32)
23 Braidon Enner (4)
* New chap