Crusader’s standout Leicester Fainga’anuku will make his debut on the wing at Eden Park, while fellow debutant Pita Gus Sowakula will play his first test from the bench.
Head coach Ian Foster said the selectors were delighted to name the first All Blacks test team for 2022.
“This is doubly exciting for us to play in a packed Eden Park for our first test of the year, leading to a sold-out Steinlager series.
“After what seems like a long time away from home, it couldn’t be better to be back in front of our fans for this game.
“While this week hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for us, our overall preparation has gone very well.”
When selecting this team, Foster said they should consider managing Super Rugby Pacific series players.
“We have prepared rigorously for this match, even though we only have ten days together.
“We have tremendous respect for this Irish team and can’t wait to run to a packed Eden Park on Saturday to start the 2022 Steinlager series.”
The team sees George Bower named as a loosehead prop, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi on the other side of the scrum.
Scott Barrett wears the No. 6 jersey with captain Sam Cane on 7 and Ardie Savea at the back of the scrum. Debutant Fainga’anuku gets his first start in the number 11 jersey with fellow Crusader Sevu Reece on the right wing.
After being called up for cover due to Covid influences on players, Braydon Ennor will be in the 23, and debutant Sowakula is also named in the 23, to potentially get his first cap as an All Black.
Named to play his 133rd All Blacks test, Sam Whitelock surpasses Keven Mealamu as the second most capped All Black test player of all time (after Richie McCaw), in what is his 12th season with the team.
There is an incredibly rich history between the two teams who first met in 1905. Saturday will be the 34th Test between the All Blacks and Ireland, but only the fourth was played at Eden Park.
Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the three current All Blacks who played against Ireland when they last visited Eden Park in 2012.
All Blacks side to face Ireland (number of capitals in brackets):
1 George Bower (11)
2Codie Taylor (66)
3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi (44)
4 Brodie Retallick (92)
5 Samuel 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 Fainga’anuku* (0)
12 Quinn Tupaea (7)
13 Rieko Ioane (47)
14 Sevu Reece (17)
15 Jordie Barrett (36)
16 Samisoni Taukei’aho (9)
17 Karl Tu’inukuafe (25)
18 Angus Taavao (20)
19 Pita Gus Sowakula (0)*
20 Dalton Papalli (12)
21 Finlay Christie (5)
22 Richie Mounga (32)
23 Braydon Ennor (4)